Exploitation minière dans l’arrondissement de Figuil (Cameroun) : problèmes de santé publique et effets environnementaux

Abstract

The transformation of vegetal landscape, groundwater and atmospheric air pollutions of Figuil subdivision due to mining expose the region to ecological risk. Above all, the morbidity rate in this area is alarming. To evaluate the state of limestone exploitation effects, we have carried out, on one hand, socio-environmental studies on the health of inhabitants, environmental actions of the enterprises and the evaluation of atmospheric air pollution. On the other hand, we did the chemical analysis of samples of water from wells and bore-holes. The study reveals the environmental degradation of the already fragile milieu and the rise of health crises. In addition, the Cameroon’s mining code has been revised to take into consideration the environmental protection and the rights of the local populations, but we observed that the current mining code takes a long time to be implemented. Beyond the report drawn up on mining exploitation, there is a lot at stake, it is necessary to initiate a dynamic action by displaying the strategies of motivated actions not by media frame-up (accidental pollutions, alarming media speeches, the NGOs’ partial reports) but by the regulation and socio-environmental requirements.

Keywords

• degradation
• environment
• health crisis
• Figuil
• Cameroon