Local authorities informed AFP on Sunday that several gold mines in northern Niger, operated by a Chinese company, were instructed to shut down temporarily after numerous animals died from drinking contaminated wastewater.
Herders in the vicinity of Tabelot attributed the deaths of their animals to Sahara SARL’s mines, as there were no signs of drought or epidemics in the area.
Youssaf Houssa, the chief of Tamannit village, reported 24 deaths over two days and realized that the water rejected by the mines was the cause of the fatalities.
Almou Akoli from Fasso village recounted the loss of 16 animals and mentioned that some neighbors experienced similar losses. Sahara SARL, a Chinese company, commenced gold mining operations in January within grazing grounds that lacked natural water sources.
Following a visit by police investigators on Friday, Niger’s Ministry of Mines ordered the temporary closure of at least four mining sites.
Houssa mentioned that the Chinese company halted operations, and locals are monitoring their animals.
According to Air Info, a local newspaper, an official report confirmed that chemical products used in the mines caused the catastrophe, posing a threat to the water table in an already challenging environment for animal husbandry.
Orano, a French company formerly known as Areva, has been extracting uranium in northern Niger for over four decades and has faced accusations from NGOs regarding environmental pollution.
