Iraqi authorities close unlicensed quarries in Mosul

MOSUL, Iraq — The Mosul district governor's office has launched an inspection campaign to bring the city's quarries into compliance with existing regulations, Governor Hisham al-Hashimi said. The effort is being carried out under direct orders to ensure extraction sites operate within the legal framework, he added. Joint inspection teams have been formed with the Mosul Municipality Directorate and the Nineveh Police Directorate, the governor's office said. The teams conducted field tours in the Hawi al-Jusuk area and closed a number of quarries that lacked the required permits. Operators were given a deadline to complete the necessary legal procedures. Local observers have alleged that some quarries are controlled by influential groups operating heavy machinery in an unregulated manner. They warned that numerous gravel and sand pits spreading along the banks of the Tigris River are damaging the environment and water resources. Officials stressed that operating licenses must be issued with the approval of the Water Resources Directorate.