Mad dash for gold mine in Abim

Vulnerable individuals, including children, women, and the elderly, who have been drawn to the mine in search of livelihood opportunities

Abim District is facing an environmental catastrophe as hundreds of residents flock to a newly-discovered gold mine in Okemer, Camkok Subcounty.

The rush for gold has led to rampant deforestation, large-scale excavation, and the exploitation of vulnerable groups, posing grave risks to the local ecosystem and communities.

Reports from the area reveal that trees are being indiscriminately cut down to make way for mining operations, resulting in extensive deforestation and loss of vital habitat for wildlife.

Additionally, massive pits are being dug by the residents in search of gold posing safety hazards to both miners and bystanders

“I am concerned about the environmental impact but I need to earn a living,” Godfrey Okello, one of the miners, said.

What is particularly concerning is the influx of vulnerable individuals, including children, women, and the elderly, who have been drawn to the mine in search of livelihood opportunities.

“These individuals spend long hours each day engaged in backbreaking labor, often under hazardous conditions, in hopes of striking gold,” Luke Ongombi Ojok, a concerned elder, told the Nile Post.

As the rush for gold continues unabated, the need for responsible and sustainable resource management practices becomes increasingly urgent.

Without swift and decisive action, the environmental devastation in Abim District risks irreparable harm to the delicate balance of nature and the livelihoods of its inhabitants.