Authorities in Guinea have expelled 1,557 West African nationals convicted of illegal gold mining as the country intensifies efforts to curb unauthorised exploitation of its mineral resources.

Judicial and security sources disclosed that the deportees arrived on Saturday at Kouremale, a border town between Guinea and Mali, in a convoy of 44 vehicles.

The group had departed the capital, Conakry, on Friday, with most of those expelled originating from neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali.

The foreign nationals were arrested at various mining locations during government operations targeting illegal gold extraction. They were subsequently convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from 18 months to two years before being released and deported.

Guinea has intensified its campaign against illegal mining since the beginning of November, particularly in the northeastern Siguiri region, where authorities have raised concerns over environmental degradation caused by unregulated mineral exploitation.

The government said the crackdown was necessary to prevent further damage to agricultural land, waterways and vegetation resulting from uncontrolled mining activities.

The operation has triggered a mass movement of foreign miners and their families into neighbouring Mali, with tens of thousands reportedly leaving Guinea after authorities stepped up enforcement.

Meanwhile, at least 10 people were killed in Siguiri on Wednesday following violent clashes between miners and security forces enforcing the mining restrictions.

The government confirmed the deaths on Thursday, while Guinea's main opposition grouping subsequently criticised the authorities over what it described as an authoritarian approach and the use of force in handling the situation.

The opposition also condemned the government's response to the violence, raising concerns over the treatment of those affected by the crackdown.

The latest expulsions come amid broader efforts by Guinean authorities to regulate artisanal mining and strengthen control over the country's mineral resources.