Rising insecurity in West Africa threatens mining investment

By Kizito CUDJOE

Rising insecurity across West Africa threatens to erode investor confidence and derail the region’s mining boom unless governments and industry players work together to address the crisis, Australia’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Berenice Owen-Jones, has warned.

Speaking at the West Africa Mining and Security Conference (WAMS) in Accra, High Commissioner Owen-Jones said the “security context in West Africa is shifting” – urging a coordinated response to safeguard existing operations and attract new investment.

“Terrorism in the Sahel, violent extremism, political instability, complex geopolitics and new emerging threats present significant challenges for the mining sector,” she said. “The sector, with its fixed assets and high visibility, is particularly exposed.”

Her remarks come as several mining nations in the region, including Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, face growing security risks that have disrupted production and raised operating costs for companies.

She noted that the deteriorating security in parts of the region has potential to threaten lives of both foreign and local workers in the resource sector.

“It is against this backdrop that these are not challenges for the sector to confront alone. They require collaboration between states, communities, security providers and industry,” she said. “They require various stakeholders to share information on the ground and that we strengthen the networks which make us all more effective.”

Australia’s commercial engagement with West Africa is underpinned by mining, estimated at around US$20 to 30billion worth of investment. Furthermore, its investment in mining and resources across 35 African countries is currently estimated at US$60billion, spanning agriculture, education, renewable energy and infrastructure.

These companies, according to the High Commissioner, contribute not only to sustainable economic growth but also to regional stability through job creation, skills transfer and investment in local communities.

However, she noted that for these benefits to be fully realised, mining operations must be conducted in an environment where the impact of security and political risk is understood and, as far as possible, mitigated.

It is in line with this that she stressed the importance of WAMS, which she said “has grown into an important platform for dialogue on the evolving security landscape in the sub-region and its implications for mining”.

The Australian High Commissioner, who also has non-resident accreditation to eight other West African countries including Togo and Côte d’Ivoire, noted that “security, securing mining operations, is not simply about protecting assets. It’s about safeguarding livelihoods, stability and development in the region”.

The two-day programme brought together leading international analysts, academics, security practitioners and the mining industry to discuss the increasingly fluid security outlook and how the sector can respond.

The platform also sought to share knowledge and best practices for mine security professionals. These sessions aimed to provide a clearer understanding of the challenges faced by the mining sector in West Africa, to inform operational decisions and continuous planning.

Also speaking at WAMS 2025, Minister for Interior Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka highlighted the importance of mining to both the country and sub-region. “Mineral resources remain a central driver of our economies and a source of livelihood for millions of citizens in our country and sub-region,” he said.

However, he added that mining has become a frontline concern in West Africa’s security landscape owing to the increasing risks posed by illegal mining activities.

“Illegal mining is one of the crimes covered by transnational organised crime. It is an environmental and natural resource crime that endangers the environment and human life. Illegal mining is a predicate offence for money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation of arms financing in Ghana and the sub-region,” he stated.

According to Ghana’s money laundering and terrorism financing risk assessment for environmental and natural resource crimes, about 64 percent of illicit and organised crime proceeds that pose a global security concern are linked to environmental and natural resource crimes – which include illegal mining.

“These crimes undermine governance, promote corruption, threaten national stability, regional peace and development and drive irreversible climate change. They cripple legitimate markets and facilitate the laundering of criminal proceeds,” he said.

In view of this, the Interior Minister said Ghana’s government has empowered state institutions, including security services, to clamp down on illegal mining.

He also highlighted the country’s strict mining regime which promotes responsible mining practices, while acknowledging the damage caused by unregulated small-scale operations now being met with enforcement actions – including joint operations by the police and military.

Australian Ambassador for Counter Terrorism, Gemma Huggins, also acknowledged that terrorism and violent extremism remain among the region’s greatest challenges.

“Australia remains deeply concerned by the destabilising impact it has on regional security and development. It impedes sustainable development and erodes human rights. It undermines economic growth, food security and social cohesion…. and it exacerbates displacement,” she said.