Unregulated gold mining in eastern Cameroon has led to a significant ecological disaster, according to the environmental NGO Foder. The organization reports a dramatic increase in mining activity, expanding from 28 hectares in 2010 to approximately 4,639 hectares in 2024.
This represents an increase of around 5,490% in areas occupied by gold extraction. Foder warns of severe ecological and human consequences due to this uncontrolled exploitation.
Mining activities have diverted rivers, destroyed agricultural land, and created large, open pits. The use of chemicals like mercury and cyanide in the mining process poses serious health risks to the local population, including skin problems, digestive issues, and potential poisoning.
The surge in mining has also led to a significant drop in local agricultural production, contributing to inflation. Furthermore, school dropout rates have increased as children are drawn to work in the mines.
Despite a government decree prohibiting mining in riverbeds and floodplains, illegal mining activities continue to escalate. The government has yet to take significant action to address the environmental and social consequences of this widespread exploitation.