In response to reports of widespread animal deaths linked to contaminated water sources, authorities in northern Niger have ordered the temporary closure of several gold mines operated by a Chinese company, Sahara SARL.
Local herders in the vicinity of Tabelot have attributed the deaths of dozens of animals to the wastewater discharged by Sahara SARL’s mining operations. They ruled out drought or disease as potential causes for the fatalities.
“We counted 24 dead over two days and at the end of April we finally realised that the slaughter was being caused by harmful products in the water the mines were rejecting,” said Youssaf Houssa, the chief of Tamannit, one of the affected villages.
Almou Akoli, a resident of Fasso, recounted the loss of 16 animals, with reports indicating varying losses among neighboring herders.
Sahara SARL initiated gold mining activities in January within grazing areas lacking natural water sources. Following investigations by police officials, Niger’s Ministry of Mines mandated the temporary shutdown of at least four mining sites.
Chief Houssa stated, “The Chinese company has halted operations, and we are closely monitoring our livestock.”
A report by local newspaper Air Info confirmed that chemical agents utilized in the mines pose a threat to the water table, exacerbating challenges in the already harsh animal husbandry environment.
Meanwhile, French company Orano (formerly Areva), engaged in uranium extraction in northern Niger for over four decades, faces recurrent accusations from NGOs regarding environmental pollution.
