Posted on December 1, 2025
The authorities in Mali have launched a large-scale operation in late November against dredges used for gold mining on the Niger River.
On 26 November 2025, twenty-three dredges were destroyed in Koulikoro, a region where several studies have reported rapid environmental degradation of the river.
A joint mission from the Ministry of Environment and local administrative authorities in Koulikoro carried out inspections along the river following reports of illegal dredging. Teams seized 23 dredges at various sites near Koulikoro. Engines, pumps and accessories were incinerated on site on 26 November in the presence of local technical services. The metal structures are to be processed through a dedicated disposal procedure, according to regional authorities.
The use of dredges is strictly prohibited under Malian law. The Mining Code adopted in 2023 bans dredging in riverbeds, a restriction already established by Ordinance No. 2019-022/P-RM. Several regional decrees, including in Koulikoro and Ségou, reinforce this ban and authorise the immediate seizure of any dredging equipment. Despite the regulatory framework, dredges continue to operate in some areas, sometimes at night to evade inspections.
The Koulikoro operation comes a few months after a similar large-scale intervention in July 2025, when the army destroyed 206 dredges and six mills in the same region.
Similar operations have been carried out in recent years in Mopti, Banankoro, Kangaba, Kolonto, and along the Baoulé, a tributary of the Niger. Local authorities say these actions aim to halt practices deemed non-compliant with existing regulations.
Scientific studies and field surveys have documented the environmental impact of dredging on the Niger River. The equipment stirs up sediments, increasing water turbidity and disrupting aquatic habitats. Observations near Bamako and Koulikoro indicate accelerated riverbank erosion and alterations to the riverbed. A study in Koursalé found that 100% of residents surveyed reported a decline in water quality due to dredging. Research along Niger tributaries has also noted a decrease in fish populations in affected areas.
The Niger River faces mounting environmental pressures. Wastewater discharge, plastic pollution, informal mining, rapid urbanization along the banks, and siltation are among the key factors cited by experts. Environmental organisations report that certain stretches of the river reach critical pollution levels. Local navigation, fishing, and water supply for riverside communities are directly impacted.
In Koulikoro, authorities announced enhanced monitoring to prevent dredges from returning to cleared areas. The Environment, Water and Forestry services, local authorities, and the Niger Basin Agency will carry out regular oversight in the coming weeks. Other localities have been identified for similar operations, according to technical services.
The destruction of the 23 dredges marks a further step in Mali’s efforts to curb riverine gold mining. Local authorities have indicated that operations will continue in areas where dredges have been reported, while residents and fishermen are calling for sustainable measures to mitigate the impact of these activities on a river central to the country’s economic and social life.
