First Quantum Minerals’ Post

In the past few weeks, Ghana's water supply has faced a significant crisis, with a staggering 75% reduction in clean water across the southern coast due to rampant pollution from illegal mining. This is not just a local problem; it's a national emergency that threatens the health and livelihoods of millions. As I reflect on this, I can’t help but ask: how can we expect a brighter future if our water sources are contaminated? The time for talk is over—we need urgent action from all stakeholders to end illegal mining and protect Ghana’s water. Our future depends on it. Let’s come together, raise our voices, and demand change—for ourselves, our children, and generations to come.   #StopIlGalamsey #ProtectOurWater #ClimateAction #WaterAidGhana #ClimateResilientWASH #WaterAidGhana #StopGalamsey https://lnkd.in/dxppzbki

Zimbabwe renews ban on riverbed mining to protect ecosystems 🌳 Information Minister Jenfan Muswere says since 2011, the southern African country has allowed large-scale and mechanical alluvial mining which has resulted in water pollution, siltation and degradation of river channels. The ban is a crucial step towards environmental protection and climate resilience in Zimbabwe. #Zimbabwe #climatechange #environmentalprotection #mining #rivers #ban #sustainability

An excellent article by the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform on the need to consider environmental impacts of proposed development. He uses the examples of green hydrogen proposals in a national park and uranium leach mining that threatens to poison underground water in the Kalahari. He further points out: "Economic growth in the real economy is desperately needed for wealth creation within the Namibian economy and a less skew, more equal, wealth distribution. GDP growth alone, without any quality, is unsustainable." https://lnkd.in/dRNP4qW6

"Our Freshwater's: The Devastating Impact of Illegal Mining on Communities in Ghana" Introduction Ghana, a country rich in natural resources, is facing a growing environmental crisis. Illegal mining operations, known as galamsey, have taken over many parts of the country, leaving behind a trail of destruction and pollution. One of the most devastating effects of these operations is water pollution, which threatens the health and livelihoods of entire communities. The Scourge of Galamsey Galamsey, a term used to describe illegal small-scale mining, has become a major problem in Ghana. These operations, often carried out by unlicensed miners, use dangerous methods and chemicals, such as mercury and cyanide, to extract gold and other minerals. The result is a toxic cocktail of pollutants that contaminate nearby water sources. Take Action Now! ·       Share this article with your network to raise awareness about the devastating impact of water pollution from illegal mining operations. ·       Support organizations working to combat galamsey and promote sustainable mining practices in Ghana, such as the Ghanaian Environmental Protection Agency and the World Wildlife Fund. ·       Demand action from your leaders to protect the environment and communities affected by galamsey. Click the link below to read the rest of the article and learn more! 👉 [https://lnkd.in/eYYSXcJu] #esg_explorer #PoisonedWatersTheDevastatingImpactofIllegalMiningonCommunitiesinGhana"

Creating shared value requires more than just standing by and watching social problems unfold. It demands a deeper understanding of the impact we're making so we can invest in creating relevant communities around mine sites. Unfortunately, cases of pollution have caused death, health problems, crop destruction, and even the relocation of entire villages. In Kabombwa, TFM did not consult with residents or inform them of the environmental impacts, as required by mining regulations. Testimonies from Kabombwa residents corroborate this accusation. The once-peaceful village, home to about 1,000 households reliant on agriculture, has been shattered. Let's work together to ensure that mining companies prioritize the well-being of the communities they operate in. #CreatingSharedValue #SocialImpact #CorporateResponsibility

The alarming rate of degradation of our aquatic ecosystems due to unregulated artisanal mining (galamsey) is distressing. Despite implemented measures, the issue persists due to conflicting interests and apathy. While stakeholders are actively combating illegal mining, others remain indifferent to its devastating consequences. I am deeply concerned about the long-term sustainability of our water resources, particularly within the next 5-10 years. The cumulative impact of galamsey on our environment, human health, and economic stability necessitates collective action. I urge all stakeholders to collaborate in halting this destructive practice and promoting sustainable natural resource management. We must prioritize environmental stewardship and ensure the preservation of Ghana's waterbodies for future generations. #StopGalamsey #SaveGhana #SustainableMiningPractices #SaveGhana

DRC Environmental Group Raises Alarm Over Mining Companies’ Neglect of Climate Resilience and Biodiversity In a letter to the DRC’s Minister of Environment, DEC20, an organization of Congolese environmental entrepreneurs, voiced deep concerns about the failure of mining companies to address climate resilience and biodiversity loss in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The group highlighted that Gécamines, a state-owned mining company, has caused severe deforestation in Luena for fossil coal extraction without implementing a reforestation plan. This has led to water pollution, the decline of earthworm populations, the disappearance of natural pollinators, and a collapse of bee colonies. DEC20 also criticized MMR (Mining…Read More Here https://lnkd.in/duEvmCt8

Now, this is not joke at all. The impacts of illegal mining is in our homes NOW!. ...the video below shows the polluted river now running through taps in some people's homes... How can we do this to ourselves as Ghanaians. Certain sections of the public, even including leaders back down calls for total shutdown of this activity. They therefore, advance arguments of how this activity contributes to the economy. However, they've forgotten to do comparative analysis between their arguments and environmental, health and social impacts. You see how disingenuous some people can be! #operationgalastop #illegalmining #ecocide #unitednation #criminaljustice #environmentaljustice #environmentalist #mininghealth #flagstaffhouse #congenitaldisorder #landdegradation #motherearth #wearedying #pollutedrivers #goldforoil #goldforlife #cocoaatrisks #savelivesnow

According to the latest data from the UNCCD, land degradation in Latin America and the Caribbean is now accelerating faster than the achievable possibility to restore it. The region has already lost 22% of its fertile land, an area three times the size of Colombia, due to factors like deforestation, agricultural expansion, and mining.

Clean water💦 scarcity is a major issue in today's world, and the problem is only going to worsen with fast-changing #climate. While 60% of the global population experiences water💧stress for at least part of the year. Water security remains a concern around the world, but is especially dire in regions like the Middle East and Africa, where 13 of the 23 nations in the critically insecure category are located. Africa possesses about 30% of the world's total mineral reserves, including gold, copper, platinum, cobalt, uranium, lithium, and more, all of which play pivotal roles in diverse industries, from #electronics and infrastructure to #energy production. However, one of issues is artisanal mining in mineral-rich African states. In Mozambique the Revué river basin artisanal and small-scale mining activity generates water and air pollution, deforestation, erosion, silting of waterways, land degradation, greenhouse gas emissions and the loss of biodiversity. Navitas Group Global managing director, Danilo de Sousa Nhantumbo, on Tuesday 19th March 2024, highlighted that institutional capacity and data remain challenges in developing water projects. 🎥Water Campus ✨Nov 05, 2024 #WaterSecurity #FoodSecurity #Markets #Water #Sanitation #WASH #ClimateChange #Economy #Fin4Dev #SG6