Huambo - The authorities in Huambo province on Wednesday said they will strengthen surveillance to tackle illegal gold mining, ANGOP has learnt.
This was expressed by the administrators of the municipalities of Bailundo, Chicala-Cholohanga, Huambo, Longonjo and Ucuma, where peasant families are swapping agricultural fields for gold mining.
According to the local administrators, the fight against illegal gold mining involves educational and civic practices, awareness-raising campaigns on the exploration of these strategic mineral resources and environmental protection.
There are programs to combat illegal gold mining, in partnership with the National Police and traditional authorities, to restore order in the affected areas in cases of resistance and non-compliance with established rules, in accordance with Angolan legislation.
Speaking to ANGOP, the administrator of the municipality of Longonjo, Wilne Ekuikui, said illegal gold mining is intense in the commune of Chilata, where the authorities have joined forces to discourage these practices through awareness campaigns on environmental protection and ecological education.
The official emphasized that the peasant population tends to reduce agricultural production and turn to gold mining, which can jeopardize families' food security.
This mining practice, Ekuikui said, has contributed to pupils dropping out of school, since they become involved in the gold trade sometimes involving the whole family.
Mainly focused on mineral extraction and farming, which account for 76 percent of local economic activity, Huambo province controls 16 mineral prospecting projects, including diamonds, gold, copper, ferrous metals and rare earths. LT/ALH/TED/AMP
