The world’s largest mining dredger in Senegal is drastically damaging the coastal ecosystem crucial for agriculture. Managed by Eramet, the operation displaces thousands of farmers, leading to accusations of ecological harm and inadequate compensation. President Faye has called for increased oversight, while local leaders push for a moratorium on mining activities. The impact on community livelihoods and the environment continues to raise significant concerns.
In Lompoul, Senegal, the world’s largest mining dredger is significantly impacting the region’s fertile coast, vital for vegetable cultivation. This 23-kilometre-long operation, managed by the French company Eramet, reveals a massive scar visible from space, as it extracts zircon, used in ceramics and construction. Local farmers have been displaced, leading to widespread concerns over ecological degradation and loss of agricultural productivity.
Critics highlight the adverse effects of the dredging, emphasizing the destruction of vital ecosystems and displacement of thousands of families in pursuit of minerals. Eramet claims to be a responsible operator, asserting they provide compensation exceeding national guidelines. However, residents argue that such compensation does not correspond to the true losses incurred.
A growing coalition of affected farmers, local leaders, and tourism operators has sparked significant attention to the detrimental mining practices. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has acknowledged the community’s struggles, demanding increased transparency and accountability regarding social and environmental impacts from extraction activities.
Since its operations began in 2014, EGC, the company behind the mining, has faced backlash for its integration with local communities, despite claims of rehousing efforts for displaced individuals. Local residents express frustration over inadequate housing and compensation, asserting that their previous livelihoods have been irreparably harmed.
EGC maintains compliance with legal obligations and financial contributions to Senegal, producing substantial revenue and employment for locals. Nevertheless, affected farmers describe a decline in both climate and productivity of their agricultural land, as mining activities threaten their water supply and soil quality.
The mayor of Diokoul Diawrigne has called for a moratorium on mining operations until thorough assessments of environmental damage are conducted. While EGC argues suspending operations could jeopardize local employment and economic growth, community members strive for the return of their land and a reevaluation of mining’s adverse effects. The ongoing excavation continues to disrupt Lompoul’s serene landscape, masking the protests and struggles of its inhabitants.
The ongoing mining operations in Lompoul, Senegal, reflect a complex interplay between economic development and environmental stewardship. While the dredging efforts bring significant revenue and employment opportunities to the region, the displacement of farmers and destruction of vital ecosystems raise serious ethical concerns. Moving forward, transparency, community engagement, and careful environmental assessments are crucial to reconciling development with the rights and livelihoods of affected populations, ensuring sustainable practices in the region’s natural resource management.
Original Source: www.france24.com
