Well-informed local sources report that officers of the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM), stationed near mining areas in Nairoto, Montepuez district, are allegedly receiving bribes from illegal miners to allow access and exploitation of gold deposits in the region.
According to accounts from residents and informal workers in the area, illegal mining has become a growing activity in the forests of Nairoto, attracting hundreds of individuals, including outsiders, hunters, and loggers, all operating without any official oversight.
“The problem here is that the forest is full of illegal miners. Most don’t even know each other. As soon as you see a new face, you know it’s someone else coming to mine illegally,” revealed a local source.
Reports also state that miners pay between 60,000 to 100,000 meticais to gain access to the mining zones, with the complicity of officers from the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR) and the PRM. “They don’t even need their salaries. They get paid to let the miners in for two hours. When they return, they’re exhausted, but their pockets are full,” the same source added.
The surge in illegal activity comes amid the withdrawal of legally established companies.
The one that previously operated in the area pulled out months ago, leaving the field open to disorderly occupation and the proliferation of illegal miners. “Now that place is a jackpot hub,” said another resident. (Mozanorte)
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