Senegalese security forces have arrested 40 people and dismantled several illegal gold-mining sites in the eastern commune of Missira Sirimana, authorities said.
The operation was carried out on August 22 by a support unit of the Rapid Action Surveillance and Intervention Group (GARSI 2), based in Saeinsoutou in the Mouran area.
According to the National Gendarmerie, those arrested include 16 Malians, 11 Burkinabe, nine Guineans and four Senegalese.
Security forces also confiscated equipment allegedly used in unauthorised mining, including 20 motorcycles, 14 motor pumps, eight solar panels, seven generators and five jackhammers.
The operation forms part of Senegal’s wider efforts to curb illegal gold mining and strengthen security in mining areas. Unregulated extraction has raised concerns over environmental degradation, the protection of natural resources and the activities of networks operating outside the law.
Authorities say continued enforcement operations are aimed at improving oversight of mining zones and disrupting the networks supporting unauthorised extraction.
