Mozambican authorities have opened an investigation into suspected contamination of the Loreco River in Marrangira, Marrupa district, Niassa province, following the death of hundreds or thousands of fish, with illegal artisanal miners suspected of involvement, according to the Lusa news agency.
The provincial director of Agriculture and Fisheries for Niassa, Flávia Langa, said that during an inspection of the area, traces of as-yet-unidentified substances were discovered. Authorities collected water samples and specimens of the dead fish for laboratory analysis.
“In the Loreco River, in Marrangira, hundreds or thousands of dead fish were found near the lagoon,” Flávia Langa stated.
The official also revealed that evidence of illegal mining activity had been identified in the area.
“Tracks were also identified, and it is believed that a group of illegal artisanal miners is operating at that location, in that area,” she explained.
Area Cordoned Off
In addition to signs of mining, authorities found traces of fish processing activity at the site. The circumstances prompted investigators to examine the possible presence of toxic substances in the area, although the cause of the fish deaths has not yet been established.
As a precautionary measure, access to the lagoon and affected areas has been restricted and the dead fish are being removed. A team comprising officers from the Mozambique Republic Police (PRM), the National Administration of Conservation Areas, health services, and sanitation technicians has been deployed to assess the situation.
“The site has been cordoned off — no neighbouring communities may enter the area. Sampling is under way to study the water and determine which substances have been introduced into these locations,” Flávia Langa said.
Authorities are awaiting the results of laboratory analyses, which are expected to identify any substances present in the water and help establish the cause of the fish deaths. Only once those results are available will it be possible to determine whether contamination occurred and attribute any liability.
The Loreco River flows through an area of Marrupa district where artisanal mining activity has previously been reported.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/10/02/economia/desenvolvimento/niassa-autoridades-investigam-morte-de-milhares-de-peixes-no-rio-loreco/
