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Manica: Government Struggles to Stop Artisanal Mining in Gondola

Manica: Government Struggles to Stop Artisanal Mining in Gondola

The Manica provincial government is struggling to stop artisanal mining at the Gondola mine, where a landslide killed four people around a fortnight ago. Despite the order to stop activities, miners are still operating at the site, ignoring the risks and the authorities’ ban, according to the newspaper O País.

According to Silva Manuel, the government representative in Chimoio, some people remain in the area, claiming they lack the means to return to their areas of origin, although most of the miners have already left. ‘In the work we’re doing, we’ve noticed that there are still some people, particularly those who say they have no way of returning to their area of origin. But most of those who were there have already left,’ he explained.

Monitoring the site has been one of the biggest challenges. Silva Manuel admits that the monitoring and inspection teams are unable to be present continuously, which makes it easier for the prospectors to return as soon as the authorities leave the area. The government is considering implementing stricter measures, including the use of force if necessary, to protect lives and ensure compliance with the ban.

‘We didn’t want to use more force, but if we have to, we will. We’re not going to allow people to lose their lives because of that situation. That’s not good for the community,’ he said.

Artisanal gold mining is common in Manica, especially in the districts of Gondola, Barue, Sussundenga and Macossa. However, the practice is often carried out without basic safety measures, which has led to fatal accidents, such as the recent cave-in in Gondola. Despite the government’s efforts, insufficient supervision and the socio-economic conditions of the communities make it difficult to effectively apply control measures.

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