In Senegal, the world’s largest mining dredger is devastating the fertile coastal land essential for vegetable farming, leading to significant displacement of local communities. Despite the company’s claims of responsibility, residents argue that their livelihoods and ecosystem have been compromised. Calls for mining to be paused for further assessment arise, with local leaders and the President advocating for more transparency and accountability.
In Senegal, a massive mining dredger has been consuming vast stretches of fertile coastal land, primarily used for vegetable cultivation. This dredger, recognized as the world’s largest, is excavating for zircon, essential for ceramics and construction. The resulting scar, measuring 23 kilometers long, is visible from outer space, indicating the scale of mining operations in Lompoul, renowned for its beautiful dunes and beaches.
Over the past decade, the dredger’s operations, conducted by the French mining company Eramet, have displaced thousands of farmers and families. While Eramet claims its practices are responsible, locals argue that the mining has devastated their ecosystem and livelihood. Gora Gaye, the mayor of the local Diokoul Diawrigne district, expressed that the project has led to significant despair among the community.
There is a shift in local sentiment as farmers, tourism operators, and local leaders unite to urge a halt to mining activities. Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has also addressed concerns regarding extractive practices, emphasizing that local populations should benefit. His administration promises greater transparency and oversight after winning the election.
Started in 2014 after securing a concession granted by the previous administration, Eramet’s local subsidiary, EGC, holds ten percent ownership. While the company has provided compensation to displaced residents, many argue that the compensation does not match the loss of income from fertile lands that once produced a significant portion of Senegal’s fresh vegetables.
Local business owners report that the mining operation has significantly impacted tourism, with some hotel owners expressing distress at having to relocate. The communities accuse the mine of environmental degradation, leading to a deterioration of soil and threatening water resources. Farmers contend that compensation guidelines are outdated and inadequate, dismissing the sufficiency of EGC’s purported efforts to mitigate damages.
Despite EGC’s statement of having built modern villages and infrastructure for the displaced, residents like Omar Keita demand return to their land and restoration of their former villages. They argue that the new accommodations are lacking and fail to recreate their previous standard of living. They claim false promises of restoration led to ongoing economic struggles.
Frustrated citizens, including veteran farmers, speak of the crop failures and diminished yields following their displacement. EGC asserts positive contributions to Senegal’s economy, including tax revenues and employment for local residents; however, complaints about environmental damage persist.
Calls for a moratorium on mining operations have arisen so that comprehensive studies can assess its impact. Mayor Gaye insists on a pause to consider the ramifications of mining on communities, while EGC’s Zanklan has dismissed the need for a moratorium, emphasizing the importance of the mining economy to Senegal’s development. The dredger continues to operate, consuming the dunes of Lompoul, raising tensions between economic aspirations and environmental sustainability.
The article highlights the significant tensions surrounding mining operations in Senegal, illustrating the conflict between economic development and environmental sustainability. The actions of the dredging company, Eramet, have led to extensive displacement of local farmers and ecological damage to the coastal region. A call from local leaders and the President of Senegal for greater oversight indicates an emerging acknowledgment of these issues. The future of Lompoul’s rich agricultural heritage hangs in the balance as the community seeks to reclaim their land and livelihood amidst ongoing mining activities.
Original Source: www.france24.com
