Illegal diamond mining threatens mining operations in Angola’s Lunda Norte.
Organized groups illegally invade significant reserves in the Chitotolo, Lunhinga, Lulo, and Luminas mines.
This activity threatens the sustainability of mining companies in Lunda Norte.
José Ganga Júnior, Endiama’s head, expressed this concern during a semi-annual diamond production review in Dundo.
He indicated that persistent invasions might temporarily halt operations, severely impacting the sector.
The affected areas constitute a significant portion of their output.
Ganga Júnior suggested that some authorities might be facilitating most invasions. This situation led him to seek immediate help from the local government and security forces.
An intervention in Luminas resolved one issue, but resuming operations remained challenging.
The need for new explorations and the absence of positive results complicated the situation.
Consequently, the company might have to lay off employees, reduce expenses, and focus only on finding new reserves.
Additionally, Ganga Júnior revealed that illegal mining groups, posing as agricultural cooperatives, secretly invaded the Lulo mine’s concession areas.
He warned that operations might stop entirely due to reserve depletion if this continues.
This situation underscores the need for immediate intervention to maintain mining activities and protect the region’s economic stability.
The issues in Lunda Norte reflect challenges faced by many resource-rich countries. Illegal mining activities often disrupt legitimate businesses and the local economy.
Such unauthorized activities result in revenue loss for companies and the government, environmental damage, and social problems.
With information from lusa