In Senegal, a massive mining operation, the Grande Côte Mineral Sands project, is dramatically altering the country’s coastal dunes, sparking heated debate.
Since 2014, French mining giant Eramet has been extracting zircon and other valuable minerals, displacing farmers and disrupting a fragile ecosystem. While the company touts economic benefits, opposition from local communities, environmentalists, and even Senegal’s government continues to grow.
Zircon is a diamond-like gemstone used in making jewellery; earrings, bracelets, necklaces and so on.
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Displaced communities and environmental concerns
The once-thriving Lompoul region now bears a 23 kilometre long mining scar, visible from space. Thousands of families have been forced to relocate, many struggling to adapt to a new reality with inadequate compensation. Farmers who once produced much of Senegal’s fresh vegetables now face an uncertain livelihood, with barren fields replacing fertile farmland.
Tourism has also suffered. What was once a serene desert retreat is now overshadowed by the relentless advance of the dredging machine. Local businesses that relied on the region’s natural beauty have been uprooted, with some relocating while others resist, hoping for fairer treatment. Concerns about groundwater contamination from deep underground pumping add to the mounting frustrations.
Zircon: A valuable but controversial resource
Zircon, the primary mineral extracted from the Grande Côte project, is crucial in numerous industries. It is widely used in ceramics, including tiles and sanitaryware, as well as in producing refractory materials and specialised coatings. Additionally, zircon is utilised in the foundry industry and in nuclear reactors due to its high heat resistance. While its economic value is substantial, the social and environmental costs of mining it in Senegal remain a point of contention.
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Growing calls for transparency and reform
The controversy has reached the highest levels of government. Newly elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has demanded greater transparency and stricter oversight of extractive industries, emphasising that local communities must benefit from such projects. This aligns with increasing calls to temporarily halt mining operations to fully assess their long-term environmental and economic impact.
Eramet, which owns a significant stake in its Senegalese subsidiary, insists that its operations follow national regulations and contribute substantially to the economy.
The company claims to have provided fair compensation to displaced families and created thousands of jobs. However, many locals remain unconvinced, arguing that their livelihoods have been permanently disrupted while profits largely benefit foreign investors.
With pressure mounting from affected communities and government officials, the fate of large-scale zircon mining in Senegal hangs in the balance. While economic benefits are undeniable, the social and environmental costs continue to spark resistance. The key question remains: Can Senegal find a way to harness its natural resources without sacrificing its people and environment in the process? Can industrial progress coexist with social and environmental responsibility?