Maputo, Oct. 2, 2025 (Lusa) - The Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA) on Thursday called the decision to suspend mining licences in Manica province, in the centre of the country, "right", but pointed out that it was too late, given the environmental impact.
"We think the government's measure is the right one, but it came too late, because it has already created harmful impacts on the rivers," said CTA's deputy director, Eduardo Macuácua, at a press conference in Maputo.
For the CTA, the environmental damage caused by the mining companies in Manica province will have a negative impact on the lives of the population, making it impossible to carry out agricultural and livestock activities, as well as limiting access to drinking water.
Mozambique's government decided on 30 September to suspend all mining licences in Manica province and set up an inter-ministerial commission to review the licensing regime, strengthen inspection and move forward with environmental recovery measures.
At issue is the environmental pollution in that province caused by mining activity, with Mozambican President Daniel Chapo stating on 17 September that mining is causing an "environmental disaster" and acknowledging the possibility of suspending the activity altogether.
The suspension of mining licences in Manica follows the government's assessment of the report from the operational command of the Defence and Security Forces (FDS), which visited the province between July 17 and 19 to investigate the environmental situation in relation to mining.
On the ground, the commission found "uncontrolled mining" by licensed operators, with companies operating without an environmental recovery plan and waste containment systems, as well as violations of workers' rights.
The government classified the environmental situation in Manica as critical, pointing to the "serious pollution" of the rivers, which have "water with a reddish, cloudy and opaque colour" as a result of the direct washing of ores and the dumping of waste from this activity without any treatment.
As a measure, the government also established an inter-ministerial commission, which includes the ministries of Defence, Mineral Resources and Energy, the Interior, Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Finance, Economy, Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries, Health, Justice, Labour, Gender and Social Action.
The commission's mission "is to review the licensing regime, strengthen inspection, define authorised zones and create effective accountability mechanisms, as well as establish and implement an environmental recovery plan with the active participation of offenders, local authorities, populations and other relevant entities," government spokesman Inocêncio Impissa said at the time.
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