INTERPOL has arrested at least 200 individuals in a large-scale operation targeting illegal mining across four West African countries, AP reported on Tuesday. The crackdown, code-named Operation Sanu, took place between June and October 2024 in Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Guinea, and Senegal.
Authorities seized a vast array of chemicals and equipment linked to illegal mining, including 150kg of cyanide, 325kg of activated charcoal, 14 cylinders of mercury valued at over $100,000, 20 litres of nitric acid, and two 57-litre containers of sulphuric acid. Additionally, investigators confiscated 10kg of cocaine and nearly 7,000 explosive devices used in illicit mining operations.
Environmental and economic consequences
Interpol warned that illegal mining operations contribute to severe environmental damage, leading to deforestation, landslides, droughts, and flooding. These activities also weaken national economies and pose public health risks.
‘Transnational criminal networks exploit mineral resources worldwide, harming the environment, hurting national economies, weakening fragile communities, and endangering public health and safety,’ said Interpol Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza. ‘The operation’s success highlights the effectiveness of law enforcement when they join forces to tackle these threats.’
Crackdown expands to illegal sand mining
While the primary focus was on illegal gold mining, the operation also expanded to address illicit sand mining for the first time in The Gambia. Authorities arrested seven individuals and seized equipment linked to unauthorised sand extraction, a practice that significantly contributes to coastal erosion and environmental degradation.
Interpol’s crackdown underscores the growing international efforts to combat illegal mining activities, which not only deplete natural resources but also fuel organised crime networks across West Africa.
