Sudan Gold Mining Chemicals Causing Widespread Livestock Poisoning-Agency
Livestock owners in the Durdeib locality of Sudan's Red Sea state have raised serious concerns, attributing the poisoning of camels and other animals to ongoing gold mining activities in the region, media reported. They have issued warnings about escalating environmental contamination linked to these mining operations, which pose a growing threat to local wildlife and livestock health.
A recent veterinary report highlighted a disturbing case involving a dead camel discovered near the mining mills in Durdeib. The report suggested that the camel likely ingested toxic substances from open ponds containing hazardous mining waste, locally referred to as "karta," which is a byproduct of gold processing. Unfortunately, the advanced state of decomposition of the animal made it difficult for veterinarians to reach a definitive conclusion regarding the exact cause of death.
Researcher Abu Fatima Onour emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that camel owners have initiated legal action in response to the incident. She described the deaths as a "dangerous indicator," especially considering camels' renowned resilience and ability to survive in harsh environmental conditions. This points to a severe level of toxicity in the affected areas.
Despite Sudan’s official ban on the use of mercury and cyanide in mining activities since 2019, weak regulatory oversight and inadequate enforcement have allowed continued environmental violations. These toxic chemicals, essential in gold extraction processes, remain a significant source of pollution, contaminating soil and water resources.
