According to CoinMeta, the Guinean government stated in a declaration that violent clashes occurred between security forces and protesters who demanded the reopening of artisanal gold mines in the northeast, resulting in 10 deaths, including 5 foreign citizens. Additionally, 13 civilians and security force members were injured. The declaration mentioned that prosecutors have been tasked with investigating the violence and determining responsibility. Protesters set fire to three security force vehicles and seized one military weapon. According to data from the World Gold Council, Guinea is the largest bauxite producer in the world and also the sixth-largest gold producer in Africa, with artisanal miners accounting for a large portion of production. According to the Guinean Ministry of Mines and Geology, the country exported 2.4 million ounces of gold last year, of which approximately 1.8 million ounces came from artisanal mining. Industrial miners produced 555,529 ounces, and semi-industrial producers produced 101,800 ounces.