A cave created by illegal mining in Boro Game Reserve.

The Economic Cluster has approved action against large-scale illegal mining activities at Boro Game Reserve in Western Bahr el Ghazal State leading to severe environmental damage, as detailed in a wildlife ministry assessment.

The report was presented by Minister Rizik Zechariah Hassan and the cluster meeting agreed to take measures to stop illegal mining threatening conservation efforts.

Lily Albino Akol, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, said the illegal miners are using dangerous chemicals that have poisoned the local ecosystem, leading to the death of wild animals.

Ms Akol did not disclose the individuals and entities responsible for the large-scale mining. Eye Radio has contacted Minister Rizik Zechariah to obtain the full report.

The deputy minister said the assessment will be submitted to the next cabinet meeting for further deliberations and action.

“The mining activities in the area are damaging the environment because the miners are using chemicals that can cause harm to both humans, wildlife and the environment,” she said, as first reported by SSBC.

“The great level of destruction that is affecting the habitat of the wildlife is a big concern to the Ministry. The cluster listened carefully to the report and endorsed it to be submitted to the Council of Ministers for further deliberations.”

Boro Game Reserve is a national game reserve in South Sudan stretching 1,500 square kilometres. It was designated in 1986 and managed by the National Wildlife Service.