Senegal seeks to rein in polluting illegal gold mining along Mali border

RFI

30 August 2024 at 5:08 am·1-min read

Senegal has suspended mining activities along the Falémé river, which forms part of its southeastern border with Mali, in a bid to preserve the environment and protect public health. However, enforcing the ban won’t be easy.

Artisanal gold mining is booming in Kédougou, a region in southeast Senegal where the Falémé river flows.

Over the past 20 years, miners from 19 African countries have flocked there in search of fortune.

Unfortunately, the mercury, lead and cyanide used in the gold extraction process have polluted the river, upon which thousands rely for farming and livestock.

Scientific studies have detected toxic substances in wells, water tables, agricultural products and even in the bodies of livestock and humans.

"This worrying situation calls for strong measures on the part of the national authorities to find a fair solution to the incessant complaints from people living along the river" said Senegal's Ministry of Mines in a report last week.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko issued a decree suspending all mining activities on Senegalese territory up to 500 metres from the river's left bank until 30 June 2027. The issuance of new mining permits has also been suspended.

A matter of national security

The Falémé river flows from the highlands of Guinea, along a significant portion of Senegal's border with Mali, and into the Senegal river.

"They're in pick ups and L200 vehicles, using excavators and they don't live in the area," he told the Senegalese Press Agency.

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A matter of national security

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