Senegal halts mining along Falémé River to avoid environmental disaster

In a bold move to protect its vital waterways, Senegal has put the brakes on all mining activities along the Falémé River for nearly three years. This decisive action aims to address the growing environmental crisis threatening both the river ecosystem and the communities that depend on it.

The government decree prohibits mining within 500 meters of the river’s left bank until mid-2027, signaling a serious commitment to environmental restoration. This move comes in response to the alarming proliferation of illegal mining sites, which have surged from 600 to over 800 in just three years along both the Senegalese and Malian sides of the river.

The Falémé, once a thriving habitat for diverse wildlife including hippos and fish, has fallen victim to the destructive forces of unregulated mining. Dredging and chemical discharges have taken a heavy toll, turning this life-giving waterway into an environmental disaster zone.

Experts have stressed the urgent need for rehabilitation, highlighting the river’s crucial role in supporting local agriculture and biodiversity. As Senegal takes this stand against destructive mining practices, the world watches to see if this temporary ban can reverse years of damage and restore the Falémé to its former glory.