The research group GLOCON (Global Change – Local Conflicts?) at Freie Universität Berlin launched an interactive web mapping application on Burkina Faso’s large-scale mines and related conflicts. The website aims to integrate geo-data and data of qualitative social research to inform about conflicts over mining in Burkina Faso.

The map shows the geographical location of each mine and can be viewed in different bases, such as satellite image or landscape map. Additionaly, a layer showing the geological structure of Burkina Faso can be activated. Clicking on a mine  provides access to more information, including brief conflict analyses and pictures. Furthermore, central documents can be downloaded and further links and literature are recommended. The web map will be updated continuously.

Industrial mining in Burkina Faso began in the mid-2000s. Since then, 13 industrial mines started production (three of them already closed again) and nine more will open soon. Many of the local conflicts relate to compensation and resettlement, lacking job opportunities in the mines, the prohibition of artisanal mining and a lack of recognition. Although Burkina Faso’s mining industry is seen to be on the rise and accompanied by this increasing conflicts over mining, little is reported about those conflicts internationally. The web map enables researchers, journalists and civil society activists to get access to more and relevant information related to conflicts over mining in Burkina Faso.