Illegal gold mining in Siguiri: Conakry bans all mining in waterways

Guinea’s ministries responsible for defense, territorial administration, security, the environment and mines have banned mining in waterways and along their banks, as well as on farmland, pastureland, classified forests and near settlements in Siguiri. A permanent deployment of defense and security forces is checking roads and waterways to prevent the transport of dredges and chemicals; only licensed buying offices may purchase and sell gold from the area. The measures follow the suspension of 22 local officials and findings of soil damage, pollution and siltation affecting the Niger, Tinkisso, Niandan and Fié rivers and their tributaries.