Ouagadougou: The Governor of the South-West, Boureima Savadogo installed in Gaoua, the first regional director of Energy, Mines and Quarries (DR/EMC), Artio Hien, in a mining context region dominated by gold panning and artisanal mining.Appointed on February 7, 2024, Artio Hien, geology and mining engineer, the first regional director of Energy, Mines and Quarries of the South-West region (DREMC/SO) was installed in his position on Thursday April 18, 2024 in Gaoua by the governor of the region and in the presence of the Secretary General of the Ministry of Mines, Doulaye Sanou.For Doulaye Sanou, gold panning is the most widespread mining operation in the South-West region and remains characterized by the low formalization of actors, artisanal mining sites and quarries.'He then invited the new DR to enforce regulations more closely while working to organize gold panning and artisanal exploitation of quarry substances,' according to the communications services of the Ministry of Mines.Governor Boureima Savadogo recalled for his part that the region has significant mining potential which explains why many events surrounding gold panning occur.The regional director of Mines in the South West, Artio Hien expressed his gratitude to the highest authorities and assured that he will work to meet the needs for local public services expressed by the populations and stakeholders in the field. 'I will also work to facilitate administrative decision-making regarding the diligent processing of files,' he indicated.Source: Burkina Information Agency