Fool's gold

Chitengo Camp, Gorongosa National Park

Yesterday, one of our activities involved investigating the local Chinese gold mining operation outside of the town Vila Gorongosa.  The local operation holds great significance to Gorongosa National Park because it is being conducted in the buffer zone between the Park and Mt. Gorongosa.  The protected land on the mountain is defined as everything above 700 meters.  An extremely important connection between Mt. Gorongosa and Gorongosa National Park below is the water.  The rivers and Lake Urema are fed from water starting on Mt. Gorongosa.  Whatever gets in the water in the buffer zone between these regions can end up in the Park below.

Greg, Liz, and I headed up in the smaller helicopter with pilot Claude.  It was a windy day and the flight was a little rougher than past trips out of camp.   We had word that much of the mining activity was not far up a dirt road that headed out of the small airport in Vila Gorongosa.  Having reached the small landing strip we headed up the road and could see the first series of ponds within the river.  African workers could be seen working in the water and on the banks as we passed over headed. 

The Chinese Regime is Africa’s largest trade partner.   Supposedly the group from China running the main mining operation has the concession to mine in the region.  However, there are some important questions that need to be defined regarding their ability to use heavy machinery, chemicals in the extraction process, and excavation within the river.  What is clear is that this activity is having drastic effects on the local hydrology.

I was sitting on the pilot’s side of the helicopter in order to get some photographs.  I shot with both a wide angle lens and a 100 – 400 mm lens to get different perspectives of the mines.  We were all amazed at how extensive the operation was.  The water below us was heavily disturbed and sections looked as if they had been chemically treated. 

It is well known that water sustains life.  The wildlife living within this watershed are reliant on the water exiting the mining region.  This water began pure on the upper reaches on Mt. Gorongosa.  The evidence shows from these photos that the water from the Mountain is clear no more.

It is possible the miners are also using cyanide extraction which is typically employed where fine-gold bearing rocks are found. Zinc is added to the mix to improve the extraction process.  The zinc is later removed with sulfuric acid.   Such a toxic brew should never be spewed into the watershed of Gorongosa.

I discovered that China recently became the lead producer of gold in the world.  South Africa had held this position for over 100 years.  Additionally, China is now purchasing major mines in South Africa.  China’s hunger grows and something must be done to prevent it from destroying Mozambique.

I took a late afternoon walk with Ed I began telling him some of the day’s story of the gold mines.  After a short description of what I observed he held up his hand and said “I have heard enough.”  From his experience he knows the utter devastation this operation could cause. 

Returning to the Chitengo dining area I gave Greg Carr digital copies of the photos I took.  He was ready and eager to send them off to government officials.  It was satisfying to hear Greg say “Thanks – these photos could save the Park.”  Let’s hope so.