(Business in Cameroon) – Authorities the East Region have launched a major crackdown, dubbed “Eaux claires” (Clear Waters), targeting the resurgence of illegal mining operations in riverbeds, a practice officially banned since 2019. The operation aims to dismantle all illicit mining activities that continue to proliferate in the rivers of this resource-rich region.
East Region Governor Grégoire Mvongo reported that several dozen boats have already been seized and destroyed as part of the ongoing operation. “We’ve managed to seize boats with multiple levels, stretching from 100 to 150 meters in length or more,” Mvongo stated, highlighting the extensive scale of the problem.
The Cameroonian government prohibited riverbed mining due to the significant environmental and health hazards it presents. The direct processing of minerals on rivers often involves the use of toxic chemicals, which are subsequently discharged into the water, leading to severe pollution. This contamination not only harms fish populations and reduces the availability of fish for consumption but also exposes local communities to waterborne diseases, particularly in areas where access to clean drinking water remains limited.
Eaux claires is part of a broader government effort to enforce existing regulations and sustainably protect both natural resources and riverine communities.
BRM
