Hounde: The Minister of Mines and Quarries, Yacouba Zabre Gouba, paid a working visit to the Hounde Gold Operation mine in Tuy province to gain firsthand experience of the situation on the ground. He discussed with mining company officials the challenges faced and the mine’s development prospects.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the ministerial delegation, accompanied by local authorities, was welcomed by the country director of the Endeavour Mining group, Souleymane Boly, and the managers of Hounde Gold Operation (HGO). The visit commenced with a working session where mine managers briefed the minister on production, mine life, performance, health, safety, and environmental policy, along with challenges and prospects for site expansion.

The delegation explored the main mining pit, ‘Vindaloo,’ and the tailings yard, crucial elements in the mine’s production process. Back in the meeting room, the minister congratulated the mine on its performance, commending the staff’s resilience and urging the maintenance of momentum. He stressed the importance of adhering to regulations and called for a calm and productive work environment.

The minister also engaged with company officials on the company’s social responsibility and their support in formalizing and training artisanal miners. HGO officials reassured him of the mine’s commitment to supporting these miners’ training and development.

According to Yacouba Zabre Gouba, the visit is part of ongoing dialogue and consultation with mining sector stakeholders. He emphasized the importance of visiting the Hounde site to understand its realities and discuss the company’s challenges and development prospects.

The minister expressed satisfaction with the visit’s outcome, considering it promising for the company’s future. Souleymane Boly, the country director of Endeavour Mining, expressed honor at the minister’s visit, viewing it as proof of the collaboration between the mine and the ministry.

Mr. Boly praised the authorities’ support and highlighted the Hounde mine’s integration into the economic and social fabric. He expressed pride in the company’s contributions at local and regional levels, citing the local content capacity-building program and policies on procurement, training, and recruitment.