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Mining firms create private security forces as West Africa destabilizes

According to Critical Risk Team partner George McLeod, companies are building security strategies that allow mines to keep operating even as central governments lose control of territory in places like Burkina Faso and Mali.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Mining

Mining.com reports that mining firms operating in unstable parts of West Africa have increasingly relied on private security, effectively building their own security forces as governments weaken and lose control of territory. According to George McLeod, a partner at Critical Risk Team, mines in countries such as Burkina Faso and Mali are in some cases functioning like self-contained security hubs. McLeod described the shift as turning mines into “mini armies” rather than depending on degrading local militaries, saying governments can become almost irrelevant in areas where mining companies operate.

McLeod added that mining operations can be more resilient than other sectors in a power vacuum because they primarily need reliable routes to bring in supplies and export concentrate. He characterized the current environment as a case study in how mining companies may continue operating, and possibly even thrive, when state control fragments.

The outlet also highlights McLeod’s view on the rare earths supply chain, saying China’s tightening export controls and regulations have accelerated efforts to find alternatives. He projected that Western and other countries may have about three years before additional refining capacity comes online, while technological change could reduce demand for some rare earths through substitution in areas such as electric vehicle technologies.

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