AGC Executive Director Roger Tissot Visits Guido Artisanal Mining Site in Burkina Faso

On Thursday, January 9, the Executive Director of the Artisanal Gold Council (AGC), Mr. Roger René Tissot, conducted a field visit to the Guido artisanal mining site in the Sanguié province of Burkina Faso’s Centre-West region. The visit marked a significant milestone in AGC’s ongoing commitment to supporting mercury-free artisanal gold mining practices in collaboration with local communities and international partners.

The Guido site visit was part of the broader OR project, funded by Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC), which aims to promote responsible artisanal gold mining by introducing mercury-free ore processing technologies. The visit provided an opportunity to assess the project's progress, ensure the proper functioning of the installed equipment, and engage directly with the mining communities to better understand their experiences and challenges.

Prior to visiting the mining site, Mr. Tissot met with provincial authorities to acknowledge and thank them for their vital support in implementing the project. This gesture underscored the importance of collaboration between local leadership and international organizations in fostering sustainable mining practices.

Upon arriving at the Guido site, Mr. Tissot received a warm welcome from the local mining and village communities. Accompanied by the project team, he conducted a detailed tour of the mercury-free ore processing equipment. The equipment represents a crucial step toward reducing the environmental and health risks associated with traditional gold extraction methods.

During the tour, Mr. Tissot engaged in meaningful conversations with members of the local cooperative. These exchanges provided valuable insights into the miners' firsthand experiences with the new equipment, the challenges they face, and their suggestions for improving working conditions. He emphasized the importance of the cooperative's active participation in ensuring the project's success and encouraged them to continue striving toward sustainable and responsible mining practices.

Before concluding his visit and returning to Ouagadougou, Mr. Tissot reaffirmed AGC’s ongoing commitment to supporting artisanal mining communities in Burkina Faso. He highlighted the essential role these communities play in achieving the project’s goals and expressed his appreciation for their dedication to adopting safer and more sustainable practices.

The visit to the Guido site demonstrates AGC’s hands-on approach to fostering positive change in artisanal gold mining communities. By investing in modern, mercury-free technologies and actively engaging with miners on the ground, AGC aims to improve livelihoods, promote environmental stewardship, and contribute to the responsible development of the artisanal gold sector in Burkina Faso.