mining

Professor Nana Browne Klutse, the interim head of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), has sounded the alarm. Calling the situation an emergency, she reaches out to international partners, urging them to support Ghana’s reclamation efforts. But what does it mean when land crying out for healing is left unattended due to financial constraints? In a recent dialogue with the Ghana News Agency, Professor Klutse shared how a World Bank initiative had managed to reclaim some land—though, regrettably, only on a pilot…

The recent takeover of Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, by the M23 armed group has captured global attention, reigniting discussions about the tumultuous conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While many media outlets hastily attribute the turmoil to a desire to exploit the area’s abundant mineral resources, an analysis from The New Humanitarian reveals a far more intricate web of causes. The narrative framing the conflict as a mere scramble for minerals paints an oversimplified picture. It’s alluring to…

In a shocking turn of events, President John Mahama has launched a thorough investigation following a deadly clash between illegal miners and Ghanaian soldiers that tragically resulted in nine fatalities. According to an army spokesperson, the chaos erupted when miners, armed to the teeth with locally crafted rifles, pump-action shotguns, knives, and even axes, opened fire on military personnel who were simply doing their job. The soldiers, acting in self-defense, returned fire, and the consequences were catastrophic. This…

In a shocking development that has gripped the nation, police are on the hunt for a man dubbed the "kingpin" of illegal mining operations, who mysteriously vanished from custody following a harrowing ordeal that saw the recovery of 78 bodies from a clandestine mine. The unfolding drama presents a grim portrait of an underground world where danger is a daily companion and human life is often worth less than a sack of minerals. Meet James Neo Tshoaeli, a Lesotho national better known by his nickname "Tiger." This is not the…

In a dramatic turn of events, rescuers have successfully brought to light over 100 illegal miners who have been ensnared underground for several months at the Stilfontein mine, just outside Johannesburg. The operation, however, was not without its somber moments; it also resulted in the recovery of numerous bodies, a grim reminder of the perilous life many lead in search of precious metals. These miners, colloquially referred to as "zama zamas," embody a harrowing reality for countless individuals in South Africa. They have…

Ghana is grappling with the severe repercussions of illegal mining, commonly referred to as Galamsey. This rampant activity, primarily conducted by small-scale miners, is taking place across countless sites, igniting widespread protests and prompting the military to take action against it. As a key player in the global gold and cocoa markets, Ghana is feeling the pinch, as land degradation from these mining operations is significantly affecting agricultural productivity. Despite the apparent environmental hazards and…

In a significant move, Resolute Mining, an Australian-based company, has agreed to pay a hefty sum of $160 million to the Malian government in a bid to settle an ongoing tax dispute. This decision comes on the heels of a troubling incident where Mali's authorities detained the company’s CEO, Terence Holohan, along with two other staff members during their trip to Bamako for what was supposed to be routine negotiations with the current regime. As tensions rise, the spotlight on foreign mining operations in Mali grows ever…

The task force known as Operation Vala Umgodi, part of the South African Police Service operating in the North West province, has reiterated its plea for illegal miners who remain underground to resurface. Currently, law enforcement is engaged in a tense standoff with a significant number of illegal miners who find themselves stuck in an abandoned mining shaft. In response to the situation, police have effectively sealed off the entry points that these miners use to bring in supplies. As a result, these individuals are now…

In recent days, a passionate group of environmental advocates filled the streets of Sandton and Cape Town, South Africa, making a resounding call for a boycott of an event known as Africa Energy Week, or Africa Oil Week, happening in Cape Town this week. Following a protest in Cape Town that drew inspiration from horror themes, activist Lisa Makaula had a conversation with Bush Radio’s Renato van Schalkwyk. Makaula emphasized the urgent need for the government to pivot its investments towards renewable energy sources,…

The Democratic Republic of Congo organizes the general states of the mines, its economy, but which is in contrast to the poverty of the population and the meager economic mobilizations of the state. Bosses from mining companies, civil society and authorities have together made an inventory of the mines since Thursday in Kinshasa.…