Chinese-owned gold mines in Niger ordered shut after herders report animal deaths

NEWS WIRES

5 May 2024 at 10:39 am·1-min read

Several gold mines in northern Niger managed by a Chinese company were ordered to temporarily close after dozens of animals died from drinking wastewater, local authorities told AFP on Sunday.

Herders around the town of Tabelot had pointed to Sahara SARL's mines as the only explanation for their animals' deaths, saying the region was not suffering from drought or any epidemics.

"We counted 24 dead over two days and at the end of April we finally realised that the slaughter was being caused by harmful products in the water the mines were rejecting," said Youssaf Houssa, the chief of Tamannit, one of the affected villages.

Almou Akoli, who lives in Fasso, another village, said he lost 16 animals while some of his "neighbours cannot keep track of how many they have lost".

Watch moreFrom mines to markets: How Africa and Europe can become green industry partners of choice

China's Sahara SARL started mining gold in January in the middle of grazing grounds where there are hardly any natural waterholes.

"The Chinese have suspended work and we are monitoring our animals," said Houssa.

(AFP)

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