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The nationwide suspension of artisanal gold and diamond mining has affected all economic activities in mining areas. Concerns were also expressed by unions and drivers who met at the bus station in Kintinian district, Siguiri province. Guineematin.com learned from a reporter that they said they were trapped in extreme poverty.
The Guinean government cited emergencies related to current agricultural activities, ecological recovery and the risk of landslides during the winter as a way of justifying the measure, which came into effect on July 1.
Kemoko Dansoko, a rider on the Kintinian-Siguiri central line, was penalized by the measure. With no trips to make, he spent the entire day at the bus station with his colleagues.
“We have been unemployed since the suspension of artisanal gold mining. Before we earned trips, but now there are none at all, and even eating is another matter. We come every day to chat. You see yourself, right? We do nothing. We would be very happy if the authorities relaxed this measure,” he hopes.
Amara Camara, president of the Quintinian Transport Union, insisted his company had suffered more than other companies.
“The impact of the suspension of artisanal gold and diamond mining on us is huge because we are mobile when practicing our profession. Everyone suffers the consequences, but here, it is worse. Before this measure, there were several vehicles in circulation, but currently filling two vehicles in a week is a hurdle. This is where young people go to earn money for their respective families. Now, when they leave to go home, they don’t come back because it doesn’t work. If these young people don’t work, it has a huge impact on us,” he said.
According to the union member, the decision has led to growing insecurity and he asked the government to let the gold miners work for the welfare of the citizens.
“Bandits, thieves are increasing. We beg the authorities to have mercy on us. Artisanal gold mining has been the main activity since the time of our ancestors. Once again we ask the government to let us work. This allows us to make many trips a day when gold miners enter the mines. We live in misery that no one can describe for us,” he explained.
Back to Kintinian (Sigiri), Kaïn Naboun TRAORÉ for Guineematin.com
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