’EIA certificate mandatory for mining project to start’

Dr Selemani Jafo, the Union and Environment state minister in the Vice President’s Office, made this affirmation when inspecting gold mining activities at Zira River in Chunya District, Mbeya Region, reacting to reports that some investors proceed with mining activities before EIA is conducted.

He directed the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) to conduct EIA in the small-scale mining activity around the river and specify what miners should do to protect the environment.

 “Mining should take place outside the river and not inside as is the case at present because this contributes to the destruction of the river's environment,” he emphasized, cautioning the miners to use alternative gold mining technology in the river to extract gold.

There needs to be guidelines for cleaning the river to avoid damage to its banks and the wider environment, he said, pointing at the need for investors in the sector, implicitly for improved mining technology and greater environmental protection capacity.

“That is why the government has opened doors for investments to grow the economy,” he said, insisting that all investors must comply with the law on environment conservation.

Juma Homera, the regional commissioner said that Zira River is an important resource for the people of Mbeya, so the government will ensure that it is not polluted. If investors get the right technology, they can extract minerals without damage to the environment, in contrast with inferior technology being applied, at the expense of the environment, he affirmed.

He said that the government appreciates investors as their undertakings create revenues through taxes and levies, while creating jobs, especially for the youth.

Dr Thobias Mwesiga, the NEMC director of compliance and enforcement, said that steps to conduct EIA for the small scale investors are being pursued, to see how they can conduct the mining in ways that do not affect the environment.

While it is true that mining activities can be conducted anywhere, compliance with regulations is vital so that those activities do not harm the wider environment or impact on health of the surrounding communities.

“It is important to involve the people in all the stages of the EIA process to ensure that mining does not hinder other economic activities that communities depend on for their livelihoods.