Huambo: The National Police in the municipality of Cuima, Huambo province, recently thwarted several illegal gold mining initiatives in the Candongue and Gove sectors. This was announced on Wednesday by the local police commander, Chief Superintendent Eduardo Daniel, who noted that the action took place as part of Operation "Garimpo Zero" (Zero Illegal Mining), carried out along the banks of the Cunene River, an area bordering Hula province.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the operation resulted in the arrest of five nationals, who have since been referred to the Public Prosecutor's Office, and the seizure of various tools used in the illegal extraction of the ore. The confiscated materials included 116 gold-trapping mats, 158 shovels, 48 motor pumps, 46 pickaxes, 35 oxygen hoses, and three air pumps, among other equipment supporting the mining activity.
Chief Superintendent Eduardo Daniel affirmed that defense, security, and public order agencies remain committed to combating this illegal practice, as it poses a threat to the national economy and environmental balance. He urged the population to form cooperatives equipped with proper resources to avoid legal conflicts and reduce the risk of accidents and loss of life.
This is the second operation of its kind carried out this year in the municipality of Cuima. The first, which took place last February, resulted in the arrest of 11 nationals and the seizure of various pieces of equipment. Located 72 kilometers from the city of Huambo, the municipality of Cuima possesses agricultural, water, and mineral potential-sectors that are seeking to attract investment to drive social and economic development.
