Dundo - The governor of the eastern Lunda-Norte province, Filomena Miza Aires, on Wednesday called for concrete and structuring actions from diamond mining companies to preserve the environment.
Speaking at the opening of the six-monthly diamond production review workshop, the governor stressed the need for companies operating in Lunda-Norte to create conditions and programs for reforestation and soil replacement in areas that have already been explored.
The governor also recommended the creation of waste retention basins to prevent pollution of the rivers.
"Environmental issues in exploration areas have a negative impact on the surrounding communities, so companies need to pay special attention, investing seriously in preserving the environment to safeguard biodiversity," the governor said.
Filomena Aires defended the need for mines to work with employment and vocational training centers inside the municipalities where they operate to better coordinate the hiring of workers.
The governor urged companies to improve their social responsibility programs, helping the state to fight poverty through actions that encourage family farming, technical and vocational training for young people and expanding the school and health network.
ENDIAMA controls 24 industrial diamond mining companies.
The two-day workshop is aimed at creating strategies to improve diamond protection levels and invoicing. HD/TED/AMP
