Task Force Seizes 12kg of Mercury in Crackdown on Illegal Mining in Tigray.

A regional task force combating illegal mining in the Tigray region has announced the seizure of more than 12 kilograms (12,998 grams) of mercury, a hazardous substance commonly used in unauthorized mining operations.

Despite regulations prohibiting the use of toxic chemicals in mining, illegal miners across several areas of Tigray continue to use mercury and cyanide openly, according to regional media reports.

A high-level meeting was convened in Axum City to assess the task force’s progress, review its findings, and chart the next steps. The session was attended by Ato Amanuel Assefa, Vice President of the Interim Administration of Tigray, along with cabinet members, zone and district officials, and community elders.

Since its inception, the task force has confiscated 12,998 grams of mercury and 105 kilograms of cyanide, highlighting the scale of chemical use in illicit mining activities. The task force also reported significant weaknesses in the enforcement of legal frameworks, as well as gaps in organizational structure and field-level oversight within local administrations (woredas).

Established by former Interim Administration President Getachew Reda, the task force is mandated to restore government control over the region’s mining sector and curtail revenue losses resulting from illegal mining operations