West African Mining Week (SAMAO 2024)

The Sixth Edition of the West African Mining Week (SAMAO 2024) on the theme “Critical minerals: What development strategies for African countries?” was organized by the Government of Burkina Faso with the aim to promote the mining sector. The SAMAO 2024 brought together over 2000 delegates from sixteen countries Burkina Faso, Belgium, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Congo-Brazzaville, Demographic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Senegal, Togo, Uganda and Zambia.

During a session dedicated to Development Minerals, the Programme brought together a panel of experts to explore the potential of construction materials in Burkina Faso and more widely in the region. The panel addressed topics such as energy saving, architectural designs, climate change mitigation, and the role of low carbon materials, fostering insightful discussions and knowledge exchange. SAMAO 2025 showcased the importance of Development Minerals in driving sustainable and eco-friendly construction.

In a forum dedicated to large scale mining of gold and other metals, the participation has created visibility for Development Minerals, and their contribution to local, sustainable economic development, underscored through steady participation since the second edition of SAMAO. During this recent, sixth edition, artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) of Development Minerals took center stage in discussion of ASM issues.

From their potentials to the versatile uses including low-carbon materials for infrastructure development and construction, the unique versatility of these materials and how the Programme is working to promote them in the ACP regions showcased economic diversification opportunities while responding to climate challenges through low-carbon materials promotion. The session contributed to shaping the narrative in mining for development. The final communiqué of SAMAO included several sector development measures, including formalisation and value addition.