Burkina Faso’s junta leader opens major gold refinery to keep mining profits at home

The plant will initially be capable of refining 164 tonnes of gold a year, presidency says Burkina Faso has opened its first gold refinery as the military-led government seeks to process more of the country's mineral wealth at home and tighten its control over one of its most important industries.

His government has increased state involvement in the mining sector and has sought to reorganise the trade in artisanal gold.

The government says its eventual capacity could rise to 515 tonnes, suggesting it also wants the refinery to process gold from elsewhere in the region.