The world’s largest mining dredger is degrading Senegal’s fertile coastal land and displacing thousands of farmers. Despite the French company Eramet claiming responsible practices, local communities express serious concerns regarding environmental destruction and inadequate compensation. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye supports calls for greater oversight and transparency in the mining operations, while locals demand a pause to evaluate the ecological damage.
The world’s largest mining dredger is currently eroding Senegal’s fertile coastal land, particularly impacting the area where most of the nation’s vegetables are cultivated. This colossal machine has left a significant scar, measuring 23 kilometers in length, visible even from space, as it extracts zircon, a mineral essential for ceramics and construction. The dredger operates with immense power, capable of sucking up thousands of tonnes of mineral sands each hour, while utilizing water from underground to create an artificial lake for its operations.
Located in Lompoul, one of the world’s smallest deserts, this dredging operation is affecting the local ecosystem and has displaced thousands of farmers over the last decade. The French mining company, Eramet, which operates the dredger, claims its practices are responsible and denies any wrongdoing, yet community members accuse it of devastating their environment and livelihoods. Mayor Gora Gaye of Diokoul Diawrigne district described the situation as one of despair, highlighting the concerns of the displaced communities regarding economic and environmental impacts.
Recently, protests against the mining have gained momentum among local farmers and tourist operators, supported by Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Faye has openly criticized extractive practices, asserting that local populations are not reaping the benefits of mining operations. Under previous governance, Eramet commenced mining operations in 2014, following the concession granted a decade earlier, a move that has since raised questions about transparency and the impact on communities.
Despite claims of adequate compensation for displaced locals, many believe the payments are inadequate compared to their losses. In Lompoul, hotelier Sheikh Yves Jacquemain emphasized the irreparable effects on local ecosystems, while local communities argue that the compensation protocols are outdated, failing to reflect current economic realities.
The ongoing dredging operations in Senegal have raised significant concerns regarding environmental degradation and the displacement of local communities. While the mining company Eramet maintains its actions are responsible and beneficial, the testimonies of affected farmers and local leaders indicate a deep discontent with the loss of fertile land, inadequate compensation, and diminishing agricultural viability. Calls for a moratorium on mining to assess the impacts reflect a growing urgency for a balance between economic development and ecological preservation.
Original Source: www.kpvi.com
