Gambiaj.com – (Varela Yale, Guinea-Bissau) – On Thursday, January 23, 2025, a group of approximately 100 women from various villages near the heavy sands exploration site in Varela Yale stormed the facilities of the Chinese mining company GMG International (FZC) SA. The women were protesting against the mining activities, claiming that the exploitation of the sands is damaging their lands.
The protesters, chanting in the Fula dialect and performing traditional rituals, demanded the immediate cessation of mining operations and the withdrawal of all machinery. The demonstration escalated as the women moved to the residence of the company’s staff in Varela, urging employees to leave the area immediately.
This protest follows a meeting held earlier this week between community committees, regional and sectoral authorities, and representatives of GMG International. The meeting aimed to inform the local population about the commencement of heavy sands exploration and to address community concerns. During the meeting, government officials urged the Chinese company to fulfill its commitments, including rehabilitating local schools and improving road infrastructure in the area.
Despite these assurances, the women’s actions suggest deep dissatisfaction among local residents. Community members have expressed fears that the mining activities will disrupt their livelihoods and force them to relocate.
The Director General of Public Administration and Local Government, Abdulai Indjai, responded to the protest by calling for calm and urging law enforcement to manage the situation peacefully. Indjai emphasized the right to protest but cautioned against any actions that threaten public safety or the operations of authorized entities.
“We had a meeting with the community committees and believed we had reached an understanding. However, this protest indicates that the community remains strongly opposed to the mining activities,” Indjai said. “The government will analyze the situation and take the necessary measures to ensure the company can continue its operations, as it holds a valid license to exploit this resource.”
Block 12, located in Nhiquim, Varela, and surrounding areas in the São Domingos sector of the Cacheu region, is estimated to contain over 80,000 tons of heavy sands. These sands, including zirconium, are valuable for use in industries such as nuclear energy, electronics, and construction.
GMG International (FZC) SA, part of a Chinese consortium, holds the license to explore this resource. However, the community’s concerns about land degradation and potential displacement have fueled resistance to the project.
The company’s operations have now been disrupted, with Indjai acknowledging that the current environment is not conducive to progress. He stated that the government would review the situation and determine the next steps to address community grievances while enabling the continuation of the mining project.
Attempts to interview the protesting women were unsuccessful, as they declined to speak to the press or engage in discussions about their concerns.
The unfolding conflict highlights the delicate balance between resource exploitation for economic development and the rights and welfare of local communities in Guinea-Bissau.
