Citizens see no benefits from Gold Mining in Lupiliche

In the middle of last year, over ten large excavators from a Chinese company were seen heading to Lupiliche, an administrative post in Cobue, where gold mining activities are taking place. Local citizens in the Lake District are concerned due to the lack of information from the relevant authorities regarding the benefits of mineral extraction for the district.

The residents who dared to speak with Mozanorte's correspondent expressed that they do not feel proud of the district’s wealth, as they do not see any tangible benefits from the gold mining operations in the Lake District.

Due to the lack of information, some people are speculating, with claims that the company belongs to the son of the former president of the republic. In this regard, citizens suggest that the current government suspend the activity to review and renegotiate the contract. "We only saw the machines passing through to Lupiliche last year, the government didn’t say anything, and we don’t know the benefits; I heard from my friend that this company belongs to Nyusi’s son, which is why the administrator is afraid to speak about it. The benefit is for them, not the people," said locals João Rátibo and Nhica.

Meanwhile, the administrator of the Lake District, André Emanuel Luendo, clarified that the Chinese company has been in Lupiliche for five years. However, at the time, it did not have machinery. Last year, it brought in its machines and began operations.

On the other hand, Luendo stated that the company has a 50-year contract to explore gold in Lupiliche.

Regarding the benefits, Luendo explained that the company will assist in the rehabilitation of roads, as it did last year on the Chuni-Lupiliche stretch. "The company has been here for five years, but it did not have machinery until last year when it acquired it. It has a 50-year contract, so there are still 45 years remaining. The advantage is that they will help us rehabilitate our roads," explained the district administrator.

It is worth noting that gold mining in Lupiliche dates back to the 1990s when Tanzanian miners operated in the area. Today, the gold is also benefiting Chinese nationals and some "prominent mozambicans." (Davide Muianga)