Local authorities in the Gorongosa district have warned of the devastation of agricultural land caused by artisanal miners who have invaded several farms in search of gold, significantly disrupting agricultural production in this region of Sofala province.
The situation has become frequent in the communities of Tsiquiri, Mucoza, and Casa Banana, where numerous farmland areas have been turned into open-pit mines. These invasions are compromising local food security and the stability of families dependent on agriculture.
The district administrator of Gorongosa, Pedro Mussengue, described the situation as “unacceptable,” lamenting the extent of the damage caused by unauthorized mining activities. He emphasized that the impact is already visible in the daily lives of the affected communities.
Pedro Mussengue assured that “appropriate measures will be taken” to stop the expansion of these practices, highlighting that the district administration is closely monitoring developments. The goal is to restore order and protect the invaded agricultural areas.
According to the district administrator, the majority of the artisanal miners invading the farmland come from the provinces of Manica, Cabo Delgado, and Nampula, and this movement has created tension and insecurity among local farmers.
The administrator also revealed that some foreigners are involved in the artisanal mining activities in Gorongosa, further complicating the problem. Authorities are identifying these groups for accountability.
In light of the current situation, the district administration reiterated the call to respect cultivated areas and reaffirmed its commitment to act decisively. The priority, according to Pedro Mussengue, is to safeguard agricultural production and ensure the stability of Gorongosa communities.
Source: Rádio Moçambique (RM)
