By Yemi Olakitan
Tanzania’s Vice President for Labour and the Environment and Minister of State, Selemani Jafo, has issued a directive to all mining enterprises, urging them to strictly adhere to environmental regulations and laws to contribute to the global effort to combat climate change.
During a visit to Geita Town and as part of the sixth Mining Technology Exhibition held at the Bombambili-EPZ field in the Geita Region, Vice President Jafo emphasized the importance of environmental responsibility in the mining sector.
He praised Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML) as an exemplary mining company that fully complies with the Environmental Protection Act and urged other businesses to follow GGML’s lead in implementing their environmental strategies.
In his role as the environment minister, Jafo emphasized his commitment to monitoring mining company activities to protect the environment, especially given the potential environmental hazards associated with gold production.
He singled out GGML as a company dedicated to environmental protection and encouraged others to follow suit.
Vice President Jafo underlined the global relevance of environmental conservation, citing the ongoing challenge of climate change.
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He stressed the need to balance economic growth through mineral extraction with environmental preservation and highlighted the critical role of stakeholders like GGML in this endeavor.
In response, Anthony Mavunde, the Minister of Minerals, pledged to closely oversee the mining industry to ensure that all mining operations in Geita adhere to environmental protection policies.
Mhando Yusuph, the Environmental Manager of GGML, affirmed the company’s commitment to environmental preservation.
GGML’s environmental policy centers on pollution prevention, compliance with environmental laws, and sustainable environmental improvements.
Yusuph emphasized that all mining activities at GGML incorporate environmental management practices to prevent contamination of water sources, such as rivers and ponds.
Regular water quality testing inside and outside the mine footprint ensures adherence to these guidelines.
Additionally, GGML undertakes tree planting initiatives in unused areas to mitigate the impact of mining on tree resources.
