Okaz/Saudi Gazette JAZAN — Mining activity on the Akwa Al-Shamiya volcanic mountain in Sabya, Jazan province, to dig out pozzolan, a type of volcanic ash, has caused various health problems in 11 surrounding villages, according to environmental experts and local officials. Environmentalists have urged authorities to stop mining activity conducted by a private company on the mountain. Pozzolan is used as a raw material for manufacturing volcanic blocks that can resist salinity and ensure insulation. People living in nearby villages have been suffering from various diseases as a result of volcanic ashes that fall out from the mountain. There is also the threat of a sudden eruption of a dormant volcano, which could be catastrophic for the entire region. Haider Al-Darwi, a member of the Sabya Municipal Council, warned against the possible dangers caused by the mining activity on the volcanic mountain. "Our council will hold an emergency meeting to stop the company's digging work and present a report to the authorities on its health and environmental impact," Al-Darwi told Okaz/Saudi Gazette. Geologist Jabir Masoud Al-Abdali Al-Feefi expressed fears about the damage caused by the company on the two volcanic mountains in the region, including Akwa Al-Shamiya. "This mining work will lead to the total destruction of this geographical monument," he said. "This will also lead to sudden eruption of the dormant volcano." Al-Feefi also referred to the health problems created by volcanic ashes among people in the villages of Husainiya, Kadami, Vihashiya, Safih, Najoue, Mashlaha, Olayan, Haija, Maqbas and Tanatan. "Authorities should ask the investor to pay for the treatment of people living in these villages and also compensation to farmers who suffered losses as a result of the mining operation," he said. Al-Feefi urged the authorities to intervene to stop demolishing the mountain in order to preserve it as an outstanding historic monument. Yahya Abutaleb, a member of the social development committee in Husainiya, opposed the move to level the volcanic mountain. "Mining work on the mountain has been continuing for the past 10 years, causing a number of respiratory diseases among residents," he said. "People are also afraid of the sudden eruption of the mountain as a result of the digging work," he said. Researcher Mohammed Masoud Al-Feefi called for the immediate intervention of authorities to stop the mining work on the mountain. He also warned against a possible eruption of the dormant volcano. Ibrahim Jabran and Hassan Mohammed Haidari, both residents of the region, highlighted the ecological imbalance caused by the mining operation. They called for filling the deep grooves and pits created by the digging work to help farmers preserve adequate amount of rainwater.
