The governor of Manica province, Francisca Tomás, announced on Thursday, September 11, that a proposal has been drafted to suspend all gold mining in the province. The proposal has been sent to the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy, and the local government is awaiting the central government’s final decision.
Francisca Tomás, quoted by the Mozambican News Agency, stressed the severity of river pollution, which harms both the environment and public health. The governor argued that “the province must suspend mining activities for an indefinite period, a measure that has already been submitted to the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy for approval.”
She called for the support of all institutions to combat the problem affecting the environment and public health, highlighting the need to join efforts.
According to the governor, it is crucial to raise awareness among companies, artisanal miners’ associations, and other stakeholders involved in gold extraction. “This action must be the first step to safeguard the environment and public health. The indefinite suspension is intended to allow better organization for the rational exploitation of mineral resources,” she explained.
Francisca Tomás reminded community leaders that they are the first line of oversight in monitoring resource extraction and controlling river pollution. “Dialogue must be the foundation for mobilizing artisanal miners and curbing river silting and water pollution,” she said, stressing the importance of sustainable mining practices that ensure clean water in rivers for the population’s consumption. The governor emphasized that “public health is at risk due to mercury and cyanide used in gold extraction, which are washed into rivers.” She urged community leaders to use communication as a tool to help end river pollution.
The Révuè, Chicamba, and Púnguè rivers in Manica province are polluted due to artisanal mining. The waters of the Révuè River, which flow into the Chicamba Dam, are muddy.
Studies by higher education institutions, such as Púnguè University, indicate that the waters of the Chicamba Dam—consumed in the cities of Chimoio, Manica, Gondola, Messica, and other towns—are contaminated with mercury and cyanide. For this reason, the provincial government is advocating the suspension of artisanal mining across the entire province.
Source: Diário Económico
