For more than a decade, the vast expanse of untouched land was controlled by an American company. Now a Chinese mining conglomerate has bought it, and is racing to retrieve its buried treasure: millions of tons of cobalt. At 73, Kyahile Mangi has lived here long enough to predict the path ahead. Chemicals will seep into the river where women do laundry and dishes while worrying about hippo attacks. “We know our ground is rich,” said Mr. Mangi, a village chief who also knows residents will share little of the mine’s wealth.

Source: International New York Times November 20, 2021 10:44 UTC