Parliamentary Panel Asks for Immediate Shutdown of Four Gold Mines in Central African Republic

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): A report published by Central African Republic Parliamentary panel has recommended shutting down four Chinese-run gold mines in the country. The report, published following an investigation into mining activities in the northern town of Bozoum, cites that the pollution caused by these mines tend to threaten public health.

According to the report, the mining activities carried out by four Chinese firms- Tian Xian, Tian Run, Meng and Mao is not profitable for the state. Moreover, it is harmful to the population and the environment. The activities must be put to immediate, unconditional halt, taking into consideration the numerous complaints registered by locals.

The investigation found that River Oudham was badly polluted. The Chinese were found to have left behind empty tents and cigarette butts. It also revealed alarming rise in death rate in fishing villages and notable drop in access to clean drinking water. Furthermore, it found irregularities in accounting of average production and daily production costs.

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The Parliamentary Panel concluded that some of the Mining Ministry officials may also be part of the crime involving exploitation of the country’s natural resources.

The Central African Republic is blessed with immense natural resources, including diamonds, gold, oil and uranium. There exists no proper monitoring of exploration activities, due to lack of full control of the state on its own territory.