Burkina Faso lures majors, juniors alike

A 3-day mining conference held recently in Burkina Faso provided ample proof that interest in the West African nation’s mineral potential is on the rise.

Titled “Promin 98,” the event attracted 500 attendees, representing exploration companies, financial institutions and the government, and featured discussions on the country’s mining industry.

Reflecting the government’s declaration in 1996 that it would strengthen the industry over the next 10 years, a new mining code was introduced, along with assurances from the World Bank that mine financing assistance would be available when warranted. One branch of the World Bank, the International Finance Corp., is already funding development of the small Guiro gold project in the northeast.

Several companies represented at the conference presented progress reports on their projects in the region. These included Placer Dome, BHP Minerals, Channel Resources, Cluff Mining, Orezone and Nevsun Resources.

Also, attendees visited the recently reopened Poura gold mine of Sahelian Goldfields, and the Taparko gold exploration property of High River Gold.