Environment
Chemicals in Borena Gold Mining Harm Wildlife and Endemic Birds
allAfrica · last week · Read the Full Story on allAfrica
AI SUMMARY
Local residents and officials in Borena report that chemicals used in informal gold mining are contaminating water sources and killing endemic birds and other wildlife.
- Local residents in Arsite, Abunu Kebele of Gomole Woreda, reported that chemicals from informal gold mining are contaminating soil and water sources near Borena National Park.
- Residents warned that the pollution is harming wildlife species, particularly birds and bees, and poses a potential threat to domestic animals and humans who consume the water.
- Particular concern was raised for Stresemann's bushcrow, an endangered species endemic to Ethiopia and the Borena region.
- Borena National Park officials confirmed that three people have been detained in connection with the illegal mining activities.
- Park head Niguse Wata stated that the manual mining is being conducted by local pastoralists partly due to a lack of awareness, and was halted through a joint multi-agency operation.
- Park experts and relevant government bodies are conducting research and monitoring activities to assess and address the environmental damage.
- The Oromo Liberation Army recently issued a notice demanding extractive companies ensure local community participation and environmental standards, following a deadly security incident at the Tulu Kapi gold project in September.
- Concerns over mining pollution in Oromia echo past protests and the 2018 suspension of MIDROC's Lega Dembi gold mine over alleged environmental and health impacts.
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