In the Alur Djuganda chiefdom, located west of the Mahagi territory in Ituri province, artisanal gold mining continues to raise serious concerns. While it provides a vital source of income for many families, this activity also has increasingly alarming environmental consequences.
In this region, a significant portion of the population relies on mining for their livelihood, while other residents still depend on agriculture and hunting. The Jupakanya and Aukpa areas are the most affected, with several active mining sites, notably in Boma, Yamba, Nzani, Lelemodi, Lemodia, Kikwit, Kolwezi, Pkodolo, and Dilolo.
According to civil society and the active forces of the chieftaincy, the effects of this exploitation are already visible and worrying.
” Today, we are witnessing a progressive destruction of our environment. Rivers are polluted, lands are becoming unproductive, and populations are beginning to feel the effects of this degradation ,” warns civil society.
The deputy coordinator of this citizens’ organization, Joseph Berocan, paints a bleak picture of the situation. He specifically mentions the destruction of certain hills by heavy machinery, often brought in by foreign operators. The “Vis-à-vis” hill is cited as a striking example of advanced degradation.
“Before, this hill was untouched. Today, it is almost completely flattened because of the machines. This shows that the operation is out of control,” he laments.
In addition to the destruction of the landscape, cases of forced displacement of populations have also been reported. In Kogumbara, some families were reportedly forced to abandon their land after the discovery of gold deposits.
“Families left their land without compensation. They had no choice in the face of pressure from the farmers,” testifies a resident of the area.
Mining waste management is another major problem. Dumped haphazardly, this waste contributes to air and water pollution. Many miners work without protective equipment, exposing themselves daily to harmful dust.
Living conditions at the Nzani-Kodo site are particularly difficult. Access to drinking water remains limited, and the air is heavily polluted. A mother interviewed there testified:
“We live like this, without a properly maintained drinking water supply. It is very far away. We do this work to provide for our households.”
Among the observed impacts are water pollution, landscape destruction, the gradual disappearance of certain animal species, deforestation, and the lack of basic infrastructure such as latrines or improved water sources.
Faced with these findings, the mining authorities, through the Service for Assistance and Support of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (SAEMAPE), Djaladiga sub-office, acknowledge the existence of these impacts.
“We regularly organize awareness sessions to remind operators of environmental standards. But on the ground, many do not respect these rules,” explains the head of the SAEMAPE department.
However, despite awareness campaigns, compliance with environmental standards remains low on the ground.
The situation is also a source of concern for local leaders. Mangeng’a Ucamringa, a teacher and former mining agent, warns of the use of heavy machinery by some cooperatives, which dig vast pits without any site rehabilitation.
“After mining, the pits are abandoned. This poses a danger to the population and worsens land degradation,” he warns.
Underground mining further aggravates the situation, with massive use of wood to support the tunnels, leading to accelerated deforestation.
“Every day, trees are cut down to support the tunnels. But nobody thinks about replanting. At this rate, our forests will disappear,” he added.
Added to this is the lack of a reforestation culture and the increasing risks associated with climate change, which are already affecting agriculture, human health and local biodiversity.
Faced with this environmental crisis, several recommendations are made, including the strict application of mining and environmental laws by state services.
“It is time for the State to enforce compliance with the rules. Without this, we will lose our environment and compromise the future of future generations,” concludes a civil society actor.
This production was made possible with the financial support of Environmental Defenders, as part of the 2025 Environmental Journalism Grants issued to Héritier Ucircan. The content is the sole editorial responsibility of the author.
Link to the original article https://lavoixdelituri.net/ituri-exploitation-de-lor-a-alur-djuganda-entre-survie-economique-et-crise-environnementale/