Senegal has suspended gold mining in the Falémé river which separates it from Mali over environmental concerns.
The decision was made by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko who banned by decree all mining activities on Senegalese territory up to 500 meters from the river’s left bank until 30 June 2027.
Artisanal mining is commonplace along the river, particularly in Kédougou in southeastern Senegal, attracting miners from across the continent.
Following decades of using substances such as mercury, lead and cyanide, Senegalese authorities fear the resulting pollution would compromise the livelihoods of thousands of farmers and livestock.
A survey found the number of illegal mining sites along the Senegalese and Malian sides of the Faléme has risen to over 800 from 600 in 2021, the Senegalese Press Agency said.
Scientific studies have detected toxic substances in wells, water tables, agricultural products and even in the bodies of livestock and humans.