The Government assured on Tuesday, 18 November, that it is aware of companies attempting to continue mining activities in Manica province, in central Mozambique, even after the “suspension of all licences and the creation of an interministerial commission to review the licensing regime, strengthen inspection, and advance environmental recovery measures.”
“We are informed about what is happening on the ground, with the commissions, with full force, to ensure that mining can take place within a normal and sustainable legal framework whose benefits remain national,” explained the spokesperson of the Council of Ministers, Inocêncio Impissa, quoted by Lusa.
Asked about suspicions involving companies linked to Mozambican officials who continue to exploit resources in Manica despite the suspension of operations, the spokesperson guaranteed that all entities found engaging in illegal mining will be sanctioned, adding that the Executive’s priority is “ensuring compliance with regulations to prevent the environmental damage previously recorded.”
Recently, mining operators in the area requested the revision of the measure suspending gold extraction, arguing that it is generating negative impacts on the local economy. Speaking during a meeting with the Secretary of State for Manica, Lourenço Lindonde, representatives of several companies revealed that many workers had been dismissed and warned that if the situation continues, many mining companies may become unable to operate.
“We agreed with the measure because there are indeed problems in our rivers due to pollution, and we acknowledge that the environment has been degraded, endangering the lives of the population. Agriculture has also halted in some regions, and livestock farming has likewise been affected. But it is important to understand that not all companies are causing this environmental problem,” said one representative, quoted by the Mozambican News Agency.
“The Government should reconsider and, if possible, carry out monitoring work with companies that conduct their activities without endangering the environment. We believe the measure can be reviewed and that operations can resume based on environmental standards,” he argued.
For his part, Lourenço Lindonde assured that the concern would be conveyed to the central authorities, who will give it due consideration and assess whether conditions are already in place for firms to reopen or not. “We are on the ground monitoring the level of compliance with the measure adopted by the Executive, to see whether the mining companies are following the rules.”
“The Government’s wish is for all companies to resume operations. But that will depend on each firm and on the report we receive from our technicians. If we find that some entities are violating the recommendations provided, those companies will obviously not be allowed to resume activities,” he added.
The suspension of mining licences in Manica followed the Government’s analysis of a report from the operational command of the Defence and Security Forces (FDS), which worked in the province between 17 and 19 July to assess the environmental situation linked to mining.
The commission found on the ground “uncontrolled mining” carried out by licensed operators, companies operating without an environmental recovery plan or waste containment systems, and violations of workers’ rights.
