Guinea has granted an environmental compliance certificate to Predictive Discovery for gold mining in the northeastern Upper Niger National Park, home to endangered western chimpanzees. Despite the project’s promise of 3.05 million ounces of gold, the environmental impact assessment warns of severe consequences for local wildlife and habitat. The mining will occur in a peripheral zone after the company withdrew from the park’s buffer zone, addressing environmental concerns raised by authorities.
The government of Guinea has approved an environmental compliance certificate for Australian mining company Predictive Discovery, enabling it to commence gold mining activities within a critical habitat for endangered western chimpanzees. The Bankan Gold project is situated in the northeast corner of Upper Niger National Park (PNHN) and is projected to yield 3.05 million ounces of gold, making it one of West Africa’s largest recent discoveries.
Despite the project’s potential economic benefits, a comprehensive 1,767-page environmental and social impact assessment highlighted significant risks to wildlife, particularly the western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus). The report indicates that the chimpanzee population has already faced displacement and disturbance due to exploration activities tied to the mining project, with adverse effects expected to persist well beyond the mine’s operational life.
Initially, the planned mining area intruded into PNHN’s buffer zone; however, PDI has agreed to relinquish this part following discussions with the environment ministry. The mining will now take place in an area designated as the “peripheral zone,” which allows for certain developments while still maintaining adjacent conservation areas.
Aboubacar Samoura, an official from the environment ministry, acknowledged initial concerns about mining in a protected region but stated that the company was compelled to withdraw from the buffer zone. He highlighted the need for a positive outlook on the situation despite the inherent risks of mining near sensitive habitats.
In summary, Guinea’s approval of the Bankan Gold project’s environmental compliance has significant implications for the critically endangered western chimpanzees in the region. While the project promises economic growth, the potential long-term environmental impact raises serious concerns about habitat destruction and wildlife displacement. Maintaining the balance between economic development and environmental conservation remains a challenge.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
