Bengo: The director of legal affairs of the National Mining Regulation Agency (ANRM), Domingos Francisco, advocated for enhanced measures to combat illegal mining activities, particularly gold mining, in Angola's Bengo province.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Domingos Francisco addressed the topic 'Gold mining in Bengo province and the legal framework of mining activity', highlighting that while the Mining Code includes criminal rules to sanction infractions, its application is mainly focused on strategic minerals. He noted the recent implementation of Law No. 8/24, enacted on July 23, which introduces stricter mechanisms for criminal liability related to illegal mining activities.
The legislation stipulates prison sentences ranging from three to eight years and fines up to four million US dollars. Domingos Francisco explained that the new law aims to address existing gaps in the fight against illegal mining, targeting those who finance, promote, or facilitate illegal mineral extraction but are not present at the extraction sites.
He emphasized that illegal mining benefits individuals beyond those directly involved in the extraction process, often involving beneficiaries far removed from the sites. The legislation seeks to address the entire chain of financing and facilitation linked to illegal mining.
In Bengo, illegal gold mining is identified as the primary illegal activity concerning strategic minerals. Factors contributing to this issue include the extensive area allocated to mining companies, challenges in fully occupying these spaces, and geographical constraints faced by operators. A reorganization process of the granted mining areas is underway to improve land usage and reduce areas prone to illegal occupation.
The legal expert also called for coordinated action among various State institutions, stressing that the fight against illegal mining requires collective efforts from regulatory bodies, police forces, the Public Prosecutor's Office, municipal administrations, and other competent entities to ensure organized, safe, and sustainable mining operations.
