“The mines make us poor”

GLOCON's new country Report examines the impact of industrial mining in Burkina Faso on the local population, focusing on the view of residents of six industrial mining locations. Surveys in the affected villages demonstrate that, in contrast to the promises of mining companies and state authorities, the opening of the mines has not improved the conditions of living in the villages. On the contrary, respondents emphasise negative impacts on their livelihoods and health, and that they feel disrespected by the mine operators. People protest in various ways; they demand compensation payments, employment and income generating opportunities, and investment in the local infrastructure.