Preventing conflict in the mining sector: what role can ESIAs play?

The NCEA is currently researching the role of ESIAs for industrial mines in the context of violent conflicts in the mining sector. These conflicts are a recurring theme in the challenges surrounding this sector. The mining ministry in Burkina Faso has been facing this problem for many years, for example between artisanal miners and industrial mines. Parties in neighbouring countries Niger and Mali are also interested in the research. ESIAs and SEAs can play an important role in preventing and managing violent conflict in the sector.

To gain more insight in the added value of ESIA in this context, the NCEA is gathering case studies from these three countries, starting in Burkina Faso. The case study will focus on the Houndé gold mine in the west of the country. Since 2016, this mine has faced violent conflict, including the burning of cars and buildings, social protests from communities, and physical violence against small scale minres. This has even led to loss of human lives in 2023.

Meeting between NCEA and ANEVE to discuss the study – ©Hermann Konkobo, 2025

What role could an ESIA play in the prevention and management of such violent conflicts? A Burkinabè expert is reviewing literature, looking at ESIA documents and is carrying out interviews with both local and national stakeholders, with support from the national agency for environmental evaluation (ANEVE). The Burkinabè research will be finished by the end of the year. After that, ANEVE and the NCEA will hold a webinar to report back its findings.

Top picture: ©M. DEeme, 2025