Mozambique: INAMAR and Mining Institute align export control procedures for minerals
Mozambique: New gold rush in Gondola as locals swarm Mucododzi – Watch
4:41 CAT | 15 Oct 2025
Photo: O País
A new gold rush is underway in the Gondola district, Manica province, following the discovery of a vein in the Mucododzi area. The news spread rapidly among local communities, and within a few days, hundreds of people, mostly young, flocked to the site, hoping to change their lives through artisanal mining.
The area, previously unknown to the public as a gold site, has become a genuine hub of artisanal mining, with dozens of improvised small excavations, rudimentary tents, and intense commercial activity linked to informal mining.
This scenario, repeated in several parts of the province, again raises concerns over safety, the unregulated exploitation of natural resources, and the weakness of institutions in controlling this type of gold extraction.
Faced with the growing concentration of people at the site, the Mozambican Police (PRM) mobilised to the mining area with the aim of dispersing the locals and preventing risks of collapses, conflicts, or other tragedies.
However, the operation did not produce the expected results. The miners resisted and remained firm, defying the authorities’ orders.
A police source stated that the action was only intended to maintain public order and curb the gathering at a site already considered illegal. According to the source, the location represents not only an environmental risk but also a threat to the physical safety of those involved, due to the complete absence of technical and safety conditions.
The police presence at the site did not go without controversy. Some miners accused the officers of, besides dispersing the locals, also collecting unspecified amounts of sand allegedly containing gold.
“They fired weapons and we ran into the bush. They used tear gas, and we couldn’t work. They said no one would work because you are not organised to be able to work,” said António José, one of those viewing mining as a promising future.
Manica province continues to be one of the most affected by the unregulated growth of artisanal mining, a complex phenomenon involving economic, social, and environmental issues. In many communities, informal mining represents the only source of income amid a scarcity of formal jobs and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The new mining site in Mucododzi is already attracting attention from outside the district, signalling that the number of miners may increase in the coming days.
Meanwhile, gold continues to shine as a promise of easy wealth, even if, at the cost of life, it degrades the environment and contravenes the law.
Um grupo de mineradores artesanais descobriu um filão de ouro no distrito de Gondola. Houve uma tentativa da Polícia de dissuadir o grupo a abandonar o local, mas foi infrutífera.
#Mocambique #StvNotícias #GrupoSoico
Veja mais Notícias em https://t.co/rY2xZ7Ml3c pic.twitter.com/zZ4V7wtQct— stvnoticias (@stvnoticias_mz) October 15, 2025
Source: O País
Show comments
Also read
Leave a Reply
Be the First to Comment!
You must be logged in to post a comment.
You must be logged in to post a comment.