Maputo, 31 Oct (AIM) – The Mozambican authorities have recorded, in the last 10 months, six deaths related to mining in the central province of Tete.
According to Joaquim Chaleca, of the General Inspectorate of Mineral Resources and Energy (INGREME), interviewed by Radio Mozambique, two of the deaths occurred in artisanal mining, where the miners do not have the necessary permits, and the others in the mega-projects under development in the region.
Chaleca explained that awareness campaigns are underway to curb the number of mining accidents, which have also caused fourteen injuries.
Recently, also in Tete, the government set up a multisector committee to monitor four mining companies. The companies in question are: the Indian company Vulcan; JSPL Moçambique Minerais; the ICVL group; and Minas de Benga.
This measure follows an earlier government decision to suspend all mining licenses in the central province of Manica because of environmental pollution. The pollution is contaminating the rivers, which are crucial sources of drinking water, with heavy metals notably mercury.
In addition to the suspension, an interministerial commission, led by Defence Minister Cristovao Chume, has been set up to review the licensing regime, strengthening oversight, defining authorized zones, and intended to create effective accountability mechanisms.
(AIM)
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