In Congo-Brazzaville, an NGO is concerned about mining activities – considered dangerous – carried out by Chinese companies. They take place in a biosphere reserve, in the south of the country. An association for respect for sustainable development and human rights asks the government to be vigilant.
2 mins
With our correspondent in Brazzaville, Loicia Martial
The Association for Respect for the Rights of Indigenous Populations, Sustainable Development and Human Rights (ARPA2DH) published a report on Saturday October 21 in which it implicates several companies. She accuses them of using banned and dangerous products, such as mercury, in mining.
Thus, this report is the summary of a series of surveys carried out since March among communities in the Dimonika biosphere reserve, in the Kouilou region, in southern Congo.
“ The water was polluted by mercury »
According to Cherotti Blanchard Mavoungou, president of ARPA2DH, Chinese companies resort to practices that pollute the environment: “ What we have observed is that companies that mine gold do not respect environmental and social standards. Today, populations are victims of erosion. Before, they could go fishing but this is no longer the case today because the water has been polluted by white mercury. »
The NGO calls on government authorities and asks them for controls on the choice of companies: “ That the State can take measures before granting permits to these companies. Leaders must be careful. Today, these companies, not only in Dimonika, mostly use white mercury to extract ores. The State must ensure this. »
Dangerous substance
White mercury is a substance dangerous to health, particularly for populations living in mining areas, but also for the environment. The authorities questioned have not yet reacted to the NGO’s statements.
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