Operations to combat illegal mining continue in the Kédougou region. The Saraya territorial gendarmerie brigade conducted a large-scale operation on Saturday, June 6, 2026, dismantling clandestine gold mining sites located in the bush near the village of Séguékho, in the commune of Bembou.

The operation, which took place between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., aimed to curb the expansion of illegal mining activities that continue to proliferate in several localities in eastern Senegal despite multiple awareness campaigns and control operations carried out by the defense and security forces.

During this operation, the gendarmes destroyed sixteen (16) gold-spitting machines, equipment commonly used in artisanal gold mining. Law enforcement also seized a significant quantity of equipment used for illegal mining activities.

The recovered equipment includes four generators, two motor pumps, three jackhammers, eight water belts, as well as several products for machine maintenance, including three cartons of Stanley motor oil and three cans of super motor oil.

According to information provided by the gendarmerie, no arrests were made during this operation, as the illegal operators had presumably left the premises before the arrival of the security forces.

This new intervention is part of the national strategy to combat illegal gold mining, an activity that constitutes a growing threat to the environment, the safety of populations and the preservation of natural resources in the Kédougou region.

Authorities say an investigation is underway to identify the owners of the seized equipment and those responsible for the dismantled illegal operation.

For several months, security forces have been increasing control operations in the gold mining areas of Kédougou in order to reduce the impact of clandestine activities and restore state authority over mining sites.