Mine blamed for cancer rate
By Alice Zhang |
May 24, 2011, Tuesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
RESIDENTS of a township in south China are blaming local illegal lead-zinc mining for polluting their water source and causing an increase in cases of cancer.
A 53-year-old resident, Liu Hua, from Pantian Township, Guangdong Province, said more than 20 villagers have died from various forms of cancer since 2007, reported Nanfang Rural News yesterday. Operations began in 2005.
Most patients were in their 50s, while some were as young as 30 years old, Liu said.
Liu, who was diagnosed with lung cancer last November, said villagers suspected the sudden rise in cancer rates is linked to the mine, although local government denies this.
In 2003, the Non-Ferrous Metal Geological Exploration Bureau of Guangdong Province detected more than 8 million tonnes of minerals under a 13-square-kilometer area called Jianbidong. This is also the source of the township's drinking and irrigation water. A government team obtained an exploration license in 2005.
Villagers claim the minerals are being extracted on a commercial basis, which would require a different license.
Chen Nuowen, director of Land and Resources Bureau of Fengshun County, which supervises Pantian, said the exploration had nothing to do with disease among villagers.
A 53-year-old resident, Liu Hua, from Pantian Township, Guangdong Province, said more than 20 villagers have died from various forms of cancer since 2007, reported Nanfang Rural News yesterday. Operations began in 2005.
Most patients were in their 50s, while some were as young as 30 years old, Liu said.
Liu, who was diagnosed with lung cancer last November, said villagers suspected the sudden rise in cancer rates is linked to the mine, although local government denies this.
In 2003, the Non-Ferrous Metal Geological Exploration Bureau of Guangdong Province detected more than 8 million tonnes of minerals under a 13-square-kilometer area called Jianbidong. This is also the source of the township's drinking and irrigation water. A government team obtained an exploration license in 2005.
Villagers claim the minerals are being extracted on a commercial basis, which would require a different license.
Chen Nuowen, director of Land and Resources Bureau of Fengshun County, which supervises Pantian, said the exploration had nothing to do with disease among villagers.
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