Illegal gold mining costs the Mozambican state about 1.6 million meticais annually, according to the government of Sofala, which indicated the regions of Gorongosa, Nhamatanda and Maringué as being the regions where most of this activity occurs.

The state suffers from the practice of illegal mining, since it cannot collect taxes from this type of exploitation, as Octavio Chicoco, spokesperson for the VI Ordinary Session of the Council of State Representative Services, made known on Wednesday (27).

In addition, Chicoco continued, illegal mining is contributing to soil impoverishment, forest destruction, and river pollution in the region.

With this, the Government of Sofala recognizes the need for continuous surveillance of artisanal gold mining in the province.

In 2021, the activity led to the conviction of 42 individuals with sentences ranging from eight to 14 months in prison and fines.

In Sofala there are two Associations and a cooperative for illegal gold mining in the districts of Gorongosa, Nhamatanda and Maringué.