Guinea Approves Gold Mining Project in Endangered Chimpanzee Habitat

Guinea’s government has approved an environmental compliance certificate for Australian company Predictive Discovery to mine gold within the habitat of critically endangered western chimpanzees. Although the mining area is distanced from conservation zones, studies suggest that mining activities will lead to severe and lasting ecological impacts on local wildlife. The company plans to commence operations as soon as 2026.

The government of Guinea has granted an environmental compliance certificate to an Australian mining company permitting the extraction of gold in an area inhabited by critically endangered western chimpanzees. This decision follows the approval of a significant environmental and social impact assessment for the Bankan Gold project, located in the northeast region of Upper Niger National Park (PNHN).

The mining firm, Predictive Discovery (ASX: PDI), claims the site contains an estimated 3.05 million ounces of gold, labeling it the largest discovery in West Africa in a decade. However, the comprehensive 1,767-page impact assessment report highlights potential severe long-term consequences for wildlife, particularly the western chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus), even extending beyond the mine’s operational life.

Although the designated mining area is approximately 18 kilometers (11 miles) from the critical conservation zone known as the Mafou Forest, evidence indicates that exploration activities since the project’s inception in 2020 have already led to the displacement of several chimpanzees. The assessment warns that ongoing mining operations may exacerbate habitat loss and alter groundwater levels for years ahead.

Initially, the Bankan project area encroached upon the park’s buffer zone; however, PDI committed to relinquishing this portion during compliance discussions with the Ministry of Environment. Consequently, mining will occur within what is officially designated as the “peripheral zone.”

The buffer zones established in PNHN’s 2006-2010 development plan are aimed at protecting the core Mafou area. The first buffer zone imposes strict limitations on human activities, followed by a transitional buffer zone permitting some development. The “peripheral zone” identified by PDI falls within this second category.

Aboubacar Samoura, an official from the environment ministry, acknowledged initial concerns regarding the mining site’s proximity to a protected area but emphasized the ministry’s success in persuading the company to withdraw from the buffer zone. He remarked, “It is true that it is worrying when we talk about a deposit in a protected area, but on the other hand, we must be positive.”

Following the environmental compliance certificate, PDI promptly applied for a mining license, which could potentially enable operations to commence as early as 2026.

In conclusion, the Guinea government has approved mining operations that may critically impact the endangered western chimpanzees’ habitat. While the mining company has committed to avoiding certain protected areas, significant environmental concerns remain. The decision underscores the tension between economic pursuits and wildlife conservation. Future developments will need to balance these interests while monitoring the biodiversity in the region.

Original Source: news.mongabay.com