Suspension of Mandiana gold mining: “It is a good decision, but its impact…”

Since the government’s decision to suspend artisanal gold and diamond mining nationwide came into effect, measures have been taken in the mining areas of Mandyaná province. The measures are aimed at implementing this presidential decision. A specific example is the Djoma Balandou area, in the district of Kondiana Koro, in Mandyaná county. Guineematin.com reports through its correspondents in the area that despite the willingness of the young people, we see that poverty can cause great frustration in the communities that are already severely affected.

In the area, a group of young people, made up of foreigners and locals from the village, has formed a team to monitor the various artisanal gold mining sites with the aim of preventing any violation of this measure. The young men who were chosen for this mission said they were determined to abide by the law even though they were aware that it could have a negative impact on the economic prosperity of their community.

These young people have an unwavering determination and are ready to take action to stop anyone who tries to violate the measures implemented.

“We have been chosen to carry out for a few days the surveillance of this artisanal mine, a dream of the residents of Djoma Balandou. But I admit that the mission has gone very smoothly, because since we have been here, we have not allowed anyone to work here. Sometimes the police come to check and they are very grateful to us. This is a presidential decision that we must respect and implement. That is why we are determined to stop people from trying to go to work. Only one thing is certain, we will not let anyone work as long as the government still prohibits it. This is our mission and we are ready to implement it according to the rules of art,” said Namory Condé, national of Cancan and president of the Supervisory Committee.

Despite his determination to stop this practice, Namouri Conde is well aware of the economic consequences that this measure could have on the living conditions of the community. “The decision of the Guinean government is good for the community on the one hand, because artisanal mines can cause considerable damage during the rainy season. But despite this, many families depend on it for their survival. It is good to say that farmers are allowed to engage in agriculture, but not all those who engage in artisanal gold mining have the conditions to engage in agricultural activities. People in this village have been working for years just to feed their families. Wanting to stop them from working could also cause huge economic losses. Today, some people do not earn enough to feed their families; this is a worrying situation,” he declared.

Faced with the difficulties caused by this decision of the Guinean Government, Namori Conde called on the President of the Republic to relax the measures adopted for the economic benefit and well-being of the citizens of Joma Barandu.

“The decisions of those in power should be respected and strictly followed. But I ask President Mamadi Doumbouya not to maintain this measure for long. Because, whether we say it or not, everyone is affected, directly or indirectly. In just eight days, the economic consequences are no longer in doubt. This means that if this situation continues as we think it will, it could be an extremely difficult situation for the community. We humbly ask General Mamadi Doumbouya to review his decision to prevent this community of Joma Balandu from falling into poverty and unemployment. He is absolutely right and we must support his initiative, but this decision could create another problem, worse than the one we are currently experiencing,” he said.

In the center of the village, the faces of the gold miners showed disappointment and sadness. Their activities were deprived of the opportunity to meet their daily needs, and their eyes showed deep frustration.

From Kankan, Souleymane Kato CAMARA and Abdoulaye N’Koya Sylla, Guineematin.com