Bengo: The 1st phase of the Fio do Ouro II Operation, initiated on May 22 by the National Police in the province of Bengo, concluded on Monday with the detention of 331 citizens, of which 45 were foreigners, involved in illegal mining. During the operation, several items were seized, notably six communication radios, a homemade shotgun, three vehicles, 529,000 Kwanzas, and other instruments.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the 2nd provincial commander of the National Police in Bengo, sub-commissioner Fernando Ukuahamba, stated that the operation allowed the dismantling of eight areas of illegal gold mining in the municipalities of Ambriz, Muxaluando, and Nambuangongo. He emphasized that the National Police would continue their efforts to discourage illegal gold mining in the province.
Illegal gold mining has led to numerous social issues, including disorderly migratory movements and the expansion of informal settlements. It has also placed pressure on public health, education, and social assistance services, alongside an increase in crime related to illegal immigration and smuggling. Under Angolan law, raw mineral resources are owned exclusively by the State, and their exploitation must follow the provisions of the Mining Code and other relevant legislation.
The illegal extraction of minerals poses significant economic, social, environmental, fiscal, and criminal challenges, potentially impacting national security and the stability of the State. Recently, a tragic incident occurred when 29 individuals died due to the collapse of an artisanal mine in the municipality of Nambuangongo while they were illegally mining for gold.
