Tidiane Koita

Introduction

Tidiane Koita has emerged as a prominent figure in Guinea’s gold sector. Elected president of the National Union of Gold Miners of Guinea (UNOG) in August 2020 and re-elected in August 2023 for a three-year term, this visionary leader from the modest neighborhoods of Conakry has revolutionized artisanal gold mining in his country.

His exceptional journey reflects a remarkable rise: from a child growing up in a mining-adjacent community to becoming the owner of a mining operation and ultimately the undisputed leader of Guinean gold miners. His deep understanding of the sector’s challenges, gained from hands-on experience, grants him a rare legitimacy among various industry stakeholders.

A Transformative Vision for Guinean Gold Mining

Upon his election as head of UNOG, Tidiane Koita outlined a clear vision: to transform artisanal gold mining into a genuine economic driver for Guinea while improving the living conditions of miners. “The gold mining sector remains a pillar of the Guinean economy,” he stated upon his election in 2020.

His strategy is based on several key pillars:

• Modernization of the sector: Introduction of more efficient and environmentally friendly extraction techniques.
• Formalization of the activity: Integrating miners into the formal economy to ensure better legal protection.
• Development of cooperatives: Establishing an innovative system where miners pool resources to acquire modern equipment.
• Environmental protection: Promoting mercury-free extraction methods to reduce the ecological impact of mining.

This holistic approach aims to balance economic development, social progress, and environmental conservation, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Concrete Achievements with Significant Impacts

Under Tidiane Koita’s leadership, UNOG has implemented numerous reforms that have transformed Guinea’s gold mining landscape:

Structuring the Gold Sector

The establishment of precise cadastres and contributions to mining code reforms have optimized gold extraction and processing. These measures have significantly increased national gold production, making it a major export resource for Guinea.

The numbers speak for themselves: in the second quarter of 2020, artisanal miners exported 819,002 ounces of gold, compared to just 118,300 ounces from industrial companies, according to the Ministry of Mines.

Innovative Organization of Miners

The introduction of the cooperative system, initially met with resistance from miners accustomed to working individually, has revolutionized industry practices. This collaborative approach has increased productivity while reducing costs, demonstrating Tidiane Koita’s long-term vision.

Promotion of Responsible Practices

Aware of the environmental challenges associated with traditional mining, Tidiane Koita established partnerships with NGOs to introduce mercury-free extraction equipment, reducing the ecological footprint of artisanal mining.

Commitment to Communities and Youth

Beyond his role at UNOG, Tidiane Koita has distinguished himself through his philanthropic commitments. In November 2020, he founded the Tidiane Koita Foundation for Aid and Development (FOTIKAD), which works to improve the living conditions of Guineans through various initiatives:

• Humanitarian aid: Distribution of thousands of rice bags to vulnerable populations, especially during Ramadan and floods in several prefectures.
• Access to clean water: Construction of water points in underprivileged rural areas.
• Support for education: Awarding master’s scholarships to Guinean students.
• Development of sports infrastructure: Construction of the Kankou Moussa Stadium in Siguiri with an investment of over 7 billion Guinean francs.
• Support for the health sector: Donation of equipment to the National Social Security Fund and medical care for underprivileged individuals.

These initiatives reflect his deep conviction that economic development must go hand in hand with inclusive social progress.

A Collaborative and Visionary Leadership

Tidiane Koita’s leadership style can be summed up in one word: collaborative. “I believe in empowering others and fostering a community spirit. By involving miners, local leaders, and external stakeholders in decision-making, we create inclusive and sustainable solutions,” he explains.

This participatory approach has enabled him to tackle major challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted global gold markets. Facing this crisis, Tidiane Koita turned adversity into opportunity by creating a national gold purchasing program, reducing dependence on international buyers and stabilizing prices for miners.

International Recognition

Tidiane Koita’s impact extends far beyond Guinea’s borders, as evidenced by the numerous awards he has received:

• The Africanity Trophy in Paris, during the meeting of the High Commission of African Diasporas.
• The 2024 Pan-African Leaders Award and the Super Grand Prize at PADEL 2024 in Morocco.
• The 2021 Performance Award, recognizing his fieldwork and humanitarian commitment.

These international recognitions highlight the importance of his contributions to Guinea’s and Africa’s economic and social development.

Challenges Faced and Future Prospects

Despite his successes, Tidiane Koita has encountered numerous challenges since taking office:

• Unifying the sector: Overcoming deep divisions within UNOG.
• Protecting miners: Combating robberies targeting miners.
• Regulating the gold trade: Ensuring transaction transparency and fighting illicit trafficking.
• Environmental compliance: Reducing the ecological impact of artisanal mining.

To address these challenges, he has submitted several requests to the Guinean authorities, including mechanizing the sector, building a national refinery, resuming gold purchases by the Central Bank, and securing gold transport.

A Vision for the Future of Guinean Gold Mining

Tidiane Koita envisions a future where artisanal gold mining is safe, sustainable, and recognized as an essential pillar of Guinea’s economy. “I imagine a future where artisanal mining is secure, sustainable, and acknowledged as a vital part of Guinea’s economy. By formalizing the sector and adopting greener technologies, we can improve living conditions while protecting the environment,” he asserts.

His ultimate goal is to transform gold mining into a source of national pride, demonstrating how tradition and innovation can coexist harmoniously.

A Call to Guinean Youth

Aware of the potential of youth for Guinea’s future, Tidiane Koita regularly encourages them to engage in vocational training, particularly in the mining sector. In July 2024, he renewed this call, emphasizing the importance of education and unity for the country’s socio-economic development.

“It is no secret that youth represent a significant resource for our country, given their demographic weight, dynamism, capacity for innovation, and determination to tackle economic and social development challenges for the construction of a democratic, united, and prosperous nation,” he stated.

Conclusion: A Transformative Legacy

In just a few years, Tidiane Koita has profoundly transformed Guinea’s gold mining sector, significantly contributing to national economic development while improving the living conditions of mining communities.

His collaborative approach, philanthropic commitment, and long-term vision make him a role model for African leaders in the mining sector. More than just a professional organization president, Tidiane Koita embodies the positive transformation that enlightened leadership can bring to a traditionally informal and unstructured sector.

As Guinea continues its economic and social transformation, Tidiane Koita’s legacy continues to shape the future of the gold sector, proving that economic development, social progress, and environmental conservation can be harmonized for truly sustainable growth.