Predictive Discovery has received an environmental compliance certificate for its Bankan Gold project in Guinea, which holds an estimated 3.05 million ounces of gold. As part of the approval, the company will forego exploration near the buffer zone of Upper Niger National Park to mitigate environmental impacts. Despite these efforts, the project raises concerns about local wildlife, particularly endangered chimpanzees, emphasizing the need for careful ecological oversight as the project progresses.
Predictive Discovery (PDI) has obtained an environmental compliance certificate from Guinea’s Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development, enabling the advancement of its Bankan Gold project, which is estimated to contain 3.05 million ounces of gold. This project is recognized as one of the most notable gold discoveries in West Africa within the past decade.
The approval process involved the submission of a comprehensive 1,767-page environmental and social impact assessment. To address regulatory concerns, PDI committed to relinquishing exploration permits that overlapped with the buffer zone of the Upper Niger National Park (PNHN). Consequently, mining activities will be limited to what PDI designates as a “peripheral zone,” aimed at minimizing environmental impact on protected regions.
However, environmental assessments raise alarms regarding threats to local wildlife, particularly concerning the Western chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus), which is critically endangered. The habitat of these chimpanzees, including the Mafou Forest conservation area, is located roughly 18 kilometers from the mining site, emphasizing the delicate balance required in this project.
Since exploration commenced in 2020, the activities have already displaced between seven and fifteen chimpanzees, with expectations of further disruptions as the project evolves. Long-term mining operations may also affect groundwater levels and lead to habitat degradation, indicating a pressing need for continuous environmental monitoring.
Aboubacar Samoura, a senior official with the Ministry of the Environment, remarked on the intricacies of approving a mining project in proximity to a protected area. The ministry’s insistence on PDI withdrawing from the buffer zone demonstrates a commitment to align economic progress with conservation efforts.
After securing environmental approval, PDI proceeded to submit a formal mining license application on January 31. Pending approval, production may commence as early as 2026, fostering economic growth while necessitating rigorous observation of ecological consequences. This initiative highlights the ongoing challenge of harnessing Africa’s mineral resources while safeguarding vital biodiversity.
The Bankan Gold project reflects a complex interplay between economic development and environmental conservation in Guinea. While Predictive Discovery has initiated significant efforts to comply with environmental standards, the challenges associated with potential wildlife displacement and habitat degradation warrant continued attention. The balancing act of advancing mining operations while preserving vital ecological systems is a critical issue facing the region.
Original Source: environmentenergyleader.com
