Montreal-based mining company Semafo has suspended operations at the Bongou mine in Burkina Faso out of respect to the victims and others impacted.
Burkina Faso authorities have confirmed there have been 37 fatalities and 60 injuries as a result of the attack near Semafo and Perenti’s Bongou mine earlier this week.
Semafo is working with the authorities to ensure the Boungou site remains secured and its employees, contractors and suppliers are secure.
The company also expressed its sincerest condolences to the families of the victims as well as its firm support of Burkina Faso’s security forces.
“We are devastated by this unprecedented attack,” Semafo president and chief executive Benoit Desormeaux said.
“Our sincerest sympathies go out to the families and colleagues of the victims. Our priority is their safety, security and well-being.
“Given the scale of the attack it will take some time to properly deal with it and we will do our utmost to support all those affected.”
Five buses carrying Semafo, Perenti and African Mining Services employees, contractors and suppliers were travelling with military escort when they came under attack.
The incident occurred approximately 40 kilometres from the Bongou Mine on the public road between Fada and the mine site in east Burkina Faso, Africa.
