Gold mining by the Chinese company City SARL inside the Dimonika Biosphere Reserve in the Republic of Congo has devastated 5 hectares (12 acres) of forest. Artisanal gold miners and some local community members have had to leave the area, depriving them of food and drinking water. Water samples taken in the area and analyzed in a laboratory revealed dangerously high levels of mercury, which threaten the health of the inhabitants. NGOs have denounced what they call an ecological and human disaster. The Congolese government banned the activities of the Chinese mining company in November 2024, but the damage done has never been remediated. Mongabay’s Video Team wants to cover questions and topics that matter to you. Are there any inspiring people, urgent issues, or local stories that you’d like us to cover? We want to hear from you. Be a part of our reporting process—get in touch with us here! Banner image: Gold mine in the Dimonika Biosphere Reserve, Republic of Congo. Image ©Berdy Pambou. Investigating the real price of Congo’s goldThis article was originally published on Mongabay
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