Tanzania: DC acts on abandoned open pit mines

CHUNYA District Commissioner Mary Prisca Mahundi unveiled the district's strategic plan to fight open mines abandoned by mining companies.

This comes after the deaths of two girls from Matundasi Parish in Chunya District after falling in an abandoned open pit mine. After visiting one of the open pit mines, Ms. Mahundi reminded miners to exercise caution and to comply with environmental protection rules and regulations in order to avoid such calamities.

"The government is committed to protecting the environment to reduce or end catastrophic mining incidents," she said, adding that "minors must respect the rules and regulations that force them to do so." to cover open-pit mines before closing their doors, their opening is dangerous for human beings and other living creatures, including domestic animals. "

Jamillah Ramadhani Chaka, a geologist from Chunya District, said that miners tended to disobey the rules and regulations stipulated in their permits issued by the National Environmental Management Council (NEMC).

"The law states that whomever wishes to engage in mining activities must submit a proposal to the NEMC, which states that an investor will comply with the environmental law and will be responsible for the investment. mitigation of environmental degradation, including the recovery of open pit mines at the end of mining activities, "she said.

Lucas Malangalila, an environmental activist, explained various activities that were dangerous to the environment, including small miners, who had done so by chance, and sometimes even exploited near water sources.

"The impact is huge, especially on mining activities near water sources.

We decided to mitigate environmental problems by covering abandoned open pits and planting trees, especially near water sources, "he said.