Sierra Leone is an impoverished nation in Africa that only recently came out of a civil war. When over 3 million ounces of gold was recently found in the Kangari Hills, which is a protected 21,000 acre forest reserve that houses chimpanzees, elephants and various other protected species, the question arose should the economics of the country or the environment seize the day. Cluff Gold, a British mining company, has shown interest in mining for gold in the forest even though it has been a protected areas since the 1920s. One of the biggest problems is the actual boundaries of the reserve are unclear because the original boundaries were set up by stone barriers which have deteriorated and moved over time. Should the government allow this company to come in and mine for gold in order to improve the livelihood of its people? Or do you think this will have an even greater environmental impact on this country? Where should the line be drawn?
In my own opinion, I think it would be best to preserve the land and avoid the mining techniques that will introduce poisonous chemicals into the water and destroy the landscape. Also, I think that wildlife should be preserved as long as possible. But it becomes tricky when thinking about the people of this land. These hills could produce over $5 billion dollars in revenue for the country. It could improve their schools and other important things for the people. Despite my own bias, the country has decided to allow some mining to take place starting in 2014. What do you guys think should happen in this country? Should economy or environment be the main concern?
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/2012/1015/Sierra-Leone-s-dilemma-There-s-gold-under-those-trees
I agree with you, there are so many opportunities that are there, but it is at risk of losing environmental treasure. The revenue could really help this area of Sierra Leone. I hope there is a compromise where they could use part of the land and preserve the rest.
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