INTERPOL Operation Sanu Uncovers Human and Environmental Costs of Illegal Mining in Western Africa
Operation Sanu, an INTERPOL initiative, targeted illegal mining in Burkina Faso, the Gambia, Guinea, and Senegal, leading to the arrest of 200 individuals. The operation seized significant quantities of hazardous chemicals and equipment while revealing the human cost of mining activities. It also marked the first major intervention against illegal sand mining in the Gambia, emphasizing the environmental and health repercussions of such operations.
An INTERPOL-led operation targeting illegal mining across Burkina Faso, the Gambia, Guinea, and Senegal has resulted in the arrest of 200 individuals. Conducted from July to October 2024, Operation Sanu united INTERPOL experts and national law enforcement agencies to confront illegal mining and its associated criminal activities, employing hundreds of officers to uncover illicit operations in remote regions across the four nations.
The combined efforts of the operation culminated in the confiscation of significant quantities of chemicals and mining equipment, including 150 kilograms of cyanide, 325 kilograms of active charcoal, 14 cylinders of mercury valued at over USD 100,000, as well as 20 liters of nitrite acid and two 57-liter containers of sulfuric acid. Additionally, the operation unveiled 10 kilograms of cocaine and nearly 7,000 explosive devices.
Highlighting the human toll linked to illegal mining, teams seized considerable volumes of opioid pain relief medication, which miners use to mitigate pain induced by toxic substances such as mercury and cyanide during unauthorized gold extraction. The operation also revealed the extensive environmental damage wrought by illegal mining activities, including deforestation, landslides, and modifications to river flow, which subsequently lead to droughts or floods.
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza stated, “Transnational criminal networks exploit mineral resources around the world, harming the environment, hurting national economies, weakening fragile communities, and endangering public health and safety. The operation’s success highlights the effectiveness of law enforcement when they join forces to tackle these threats.”
While primarily focused on illegal gold mining, Operation Sanu also addressed illegal sand mining in the Gambia, resulting in raids in the Kombo and south coastal belt areas. This marked the first action of its kind in the Gambia, enabling local authorities to gain insight into the organization of the illegal sand mining trade, which has escalated in recent years and poses significant risks to local environments and communities.
Operation Sanu is part of a pilot initiative aimed at equipping law enforcement agencies to address the complex and varied challenges arising from illegal mining in Western and Central Africa. The operation was executed under the auspices of INTERPOL’s Environmental Security Programme, with financial backing from the United Kingdom’s Home Office.
Operation Sanu has demonstrated the critical nature of international collaboration in addressing illegal mining, revealing substantial human and environmental consequences. The operation underscored the effectiveness of law enforcement cooperation in disrupting transnational criminal activities while enhancing awareness regarding the severe ecological impacts and public health threats posed by illicit mining practices. This initiative sets a precedent for future efforts to combat illegal mining across the region.
Original Source: www.interpol.int
