Upper East Region: Small-Scale Gold Mining Activities In Binduri Pulluting White Volta River
Unregulated small-scale mining activities at Yalugu, a farming community in the Binduri District of the Upper East Region, are raising concerns over the pollution of the White Volta River after miners were observed discharging wastewater from their operations into the waterbody.
During a visit to the mining site, journalist Ibrahim Abode observed dozens of miners washing gold-bearing materials along the banks of the White Volta and channeling wastewater directly into the river without any visible waste containment or treatment measures.
The mining activities began following the reported discovery of gold deposits at a location known as Yalugu Moarnoor. Since then, people from Yalugu and neighbouring communities have flocked to the area in search of the precious mineral using rudimentary mining methods.
One of the miners, who identified himself as Abubakar, said he travelled from the Bawku West District to participate in the mining activities using a locally manufactured mining tool popularly known as the "one leg."
The discharge of wastewater into the White Volta has heightened concerns among residents, particularly farmers in Kubore and other downstream communities who depend on the river for farming, livestock watering, and other domestic activities. They fear continued pollution of the river could affect water quality, agricultural production, and their livelihoods.
Environmental experts have warned that untreated wastewater from small-scale mining can increase sediment levels in rivers and may introduce harmful substances into water bodies, posing risks to aquatic ecosystems and communities that rely on them.
As of the time of filing this report, officials of the Binduri District Assembly, the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council, and the had not issued any official statement on the reported gold discovery, the ongoing mining activities, or the discharge of wastewater into the White Volta River.
STORY BY IBRAHIM ABODE
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