Agricultural production in Manica district, Manica province, is compromised due to the invasion of crop fields by mercury-contaminated water. The liquid metal is used for mining precious metals such as gold, which is abundant in that province.

Soils and fields for family and industrial farming are being damaged and crop development is being jeopardized, according to DW.

"The crops are drying up, because you water today and tomorrow it dries up, because it's not water, it's mud," said a source quoted by the publication.

The aggrieved citizens accuse the miners and mining companies of not replacing the soil after cratering and of not respecting the rules of mining.

Farmers use the river water for irrigation, but mercury prevents its use for plants and hydration of animals, another source said.

At this time, the bean and corn sowings are all damaged.

"We have nowhere to farm, and the local authorities sell the casualties to the miners without the consent of the owners," the source revealed.