Authorities in Mali on Monday continued their campaign against illegal gold mining along the Niger River, destroying 38 dredges during a new phase of operations in Katibougou, in the Koulikoro region.
This latest intervention follows earlier actions across several localities, including Koulikoro, Yanfolila, Bougouni, Moribabougou, and Baguinéda, as part of a broader effort to enforce the mining code, which prohibits dredging in riverbeds.
Since mid-2025, the campaign has expanded significantly, with more than 290 dredges destroyed or seized across multiple operations, including the large-scale “Djoliba Saniya” mission conducted in July 2025.
Authorities say the crackdown aims to protect the river’s ecosystem, as studies point to worsening water quality, erosion, and declining fish stocks due to intensive dredging.
While the practice remains a source of livelihood for some communities, officials appear determined to sustain pressure on illegal sites amid growing environmental concerns.
