Chemicals used in gold mining reportedly killing endemic birds and other wildlife in Borena
- Ref
- OHRM-2026-0729
- Date of incident
- Zone
- Borena
Local residents in Arsite, Abunu Kebele of Gomole Woreda, near Borena National Park in Ethiopia’s Oromia Region, have raised concerns over the reported deaths of birds and other wildlife following the use of chemicals in informal gold mining activities in the area. Residents told Addis Standard that individuals engaged in gold mining have been releasing chemicals used in the extraction process onto the ground and into water sources, contaminating habitats and water used by wildlife.
Source: Addis Standard, "Chemicals used in gold mining reportedly killing endemic birds and other wildlife in Borena", published 2026-09-17. https://addisstandard.com/chemicals-used-in-gold-mining-reportedly-killing-endemic-birds-and-other-wildlife-in-borena/