Greenhouse gas emissions assessment of the Orezone Bombore SA gold mine in Burkina Faso (West Africa)

This study aims to assess greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the Orezone Bomboré SA gold mine in Burkina Faso, with a particular focus on Scope 1 (direct emissions) and Scope 2 (indirect emissions from purchased electricity) as defined by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. The assessment aligns with the company’s sustainable development strategy and cost-reduction objectives.
The methodological approach is based on the 2013 Global Warming Potential (GWP) over a 100-year horizon from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to quantify and analyze emission sources.
The results indicate that the mine generates both direct and indirect GHG emissions. Direct emissions (Scope 1) arise mainly from diesel generators, light and heavy mining equipment, and blasting activities, while indirect emissions (Scope 2) are primarily linked to electricity consumption supplied by SONABEL. Additional contributions include fugitive emissions from refrigerant leakage in air conditioning systems.
The total annual GHG emissions were estimated at 215,349.50 tCO₂e. Electricity consumption represents the largest share (141,120.66 tCO₂e), followed by generators (70,960.07 tCO₂e), mining equipment (2,951.29 tCO₂e), air conditioning systems (201.09 tCO₂e), and blasting operations (116.38 tCO₂e).
Based on these findings, several mitigation strategies are proposed, including reducing reliance on grid electricity through the deployment of a hybrid solar–battery power system, implementing preventive maintenance to improve fuel efficiency, promoting eco-driving practices, and encouraging low-carbon mobility options such as public transport and active transportation.
Overall, this study provides a comprehensive emissions baseline and practical pathways to support the decarbonization of mining operations in Burkina Faso.