Lichinga, Mozambique, Oct. 1, 2026 (Lusa) - Mozambican authorities have announced an investigation into the alleged contamination of the River Loreco in Niassa province after thousands of fish died, and suspect illegal gold panners are involved.
«On the Loreco River in Marrangira, hundreds or thousands of dead fish were found near the lagoon,» said Flávia Langa, Niassa's provincial director of Agriculture and Fisheries, speaking to the media on Thursday.
According to Langa, during the inspection, the team found traces of substances yet to be identified and collected water samples and specimens of the dead fish for laboratory analysis.
Langa explained that preliminary investigations had also revealed evidence of illegal mining activity in the affected area: «We also identified drill holes, and it is believed that a group of illegal miners is working at that site, in that area.» Authorities also observed signs of fish processing at the site, reinforcing suspicions that toxic substances have been used in the area.
As a precaution, authorities have restricted access to the lagoon and affected areas while investigations continue. Measures also include removing the dead fish.
«The site has been cordoned off; only authorised personnel may enter the area. We are taking samples to analyse the water and determine which substances have been introduced into these areas,» she explained.
According to Langa, a team comprising the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM), the National Agency for Environmental Quality Control (AQUA), health services and sanitation technicians has visited the site to assess the situation.
The authorities are now awaiting the results of the laboratory analyses, which should determine the substances involved and help identify those responsible for the contamination.
The River Loreco flows through the Marrangira region, in the district of Marrupa, Niassa province, an area where artisanal gold mining activities have been reported. In 2023, the town of Loreco was also linked to a cholera outbreak that affected dozens of people, against a backdrop of illegal gold mining.
LCE/ADB // ADB.
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