Sudan Gold Mining Toxins Blamed for Mass Livestock Poisoning
Livestock owners in Durdeib locality in Sudan's Red Sea state have blamed gold mining activities for the poisoning of camels and other animals, warning of growing environmental contamination in the area. A veterinary report suggested that a dead camel found near mining mills in Durdeib locality had likely drunk from open ponds containing hazardous mining waste, locally known as 'karta', produced during gold processing operations.
The report said the animal's advanced decomposition prevented a definitive conclusion. Researcher Abu Fatima Onour said camel owners had launched legal proceedings over the incident. She described the deaths as a "dangerous indicator" given camels' ability to withstand harsh conditions.
Sudan officially banned mercury and cyanide from mining in 2019, but weak oversight and poor enforcement continue to allow environmental violations. Environmental activists and researchers have called for stricter regulations of mining sites, as well as clean-up efforts in contaminated areas.
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A gold mining waste basin in Sudan.
