The story and data of Burkina Faso’s push to take 40% of a highly successful new gold mine

In April, Burkina Faso demanded that its stake in West African Resources Limited’s Kiaka mine be increased from 15% to 40%.

The move was in line with the country’s decision, under a military-led government headed by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, to expand state control over the mining sector through a decree adopted by the Council of Ministers, in line with mining legislation introduced in 2024.

Gold production in the Kiaka mine

B2Gold Corp. and its partner, GAMS-Mining F&I, sold 90% of the Kiaka Gold Project in Burkina Faso to West African in November 2021. The Burkina Faso government owns the remaining 10%.

In keeping with its ambitious project timeframe, the business finished work at the site in the second quarter of 2025.