Like the DRC, Tanzania has abundant sources of some of the world’s most important minerals like, “gold, diamonds, salt, gypsum, gemstones, iron ore, natural gas, phosphate, coal, nickel, cobalt and tanzanite” (Kitula, 2006). In 1998 the government implemented a mining act that allowed for foreign investment in the mines, and industrialization of Tanzania became apparent.

In 2006, while Tanzania was the 3^rd largest continental gold producer, only behind South Africa and Ghanna, a study was performed in the Geita District, one of the largest gold districts in the country (Kitula, 2006). The studies objectives were to, “identify and assess socio-economic activities which are significantly influenced by mining activities, to examine local community’s perceptions on how mining activities impact the environment, to suggest interventions that can assist in mitigating the negative impacts of mining” (Kitula, 2006). The study found some interesting results involving both positive and negative effects on the local community.

 Although the mining industry boom was a large change for the region, the majority of Geitas inhabitants experienced positive economic activity, through employment, improved road work, increased food sales, and school constructions. There are still environmental concerns, the most prevalent being water purity in the region. Local indigenous groups identified clean drinking water as the largest environmental impact from the mining activities, with pollution sources coming from “mercury and cyanide, dust, mine pits, cracking and the collapse of buildings” (Kitula, 2006). The collapse of building is correlated with mining explosions, which shows that the living conditions of this community only as good as the strength of their buildings (Kitula, 2006).

The mine workers often face injuries as well, especially during extreme weather conditions and gold rushes (Kitula, 2006). These injuries and fatalities often occur because the mine workers have little to no training. In the Gieta district, there are an average of 11 deaths from mine related activities per year (Kitula, 2006).

The study recommends that the Government take basic precautions to protect the community and mine workers:

·         “The government should aim at providing technical support to local mine stakeholders such as training in facilitation and management tasks to local stakeholders. New technology has to be developed that uses fewer chemicals during extraction and processing, and mine waste should be regulated and turned into a non-harmful form before it is discharged to waste ponds.” (Kitula, 2006)

·         “It has to be mandatory for all mining activities taking place in Tanzania, at both a large- and small-scale, to submit environmental impact assessment reports before a license to mine or explore can be granted. Improved regulations and independent monitoring teams should be commissioned to intervene before environmental and social problems spiral out of control.” (Kitula, 2006)

·         “Strategies to eliminate illegal mining and to promote other income-generating activities like agriculture and agro small-scale industries may reduce pressures on mining, thus helping to improve the social, economic and environment management of natural resources.” (Kitula, 2006)

This study was done in 2006, yet still Tanzania is experiencing major problems from the small scale gold mines. For example the Human Rights Watch has visited 11 mines, and found that there were huge amounts of child labor exploitation occurring (Human Rights Watch, 2013). All of these children risk lifelong disabilities, and have been exposed to toxic mercury fumes (Human Rights Watch, 2013). The Tanzanian Government now has another task to accomplish on the long list, improve education so that children can escape this harsh environment.

Works Citied

Kitula, A. (2006). The Environmental And Socio-economic Impacts Of Mining On Local Livelihoods In Tanzania: A Case Study Of Geita District. Journal of Cleaner Production, 14(3-4), 405-414.

Tanzania: Hazardous Life of Child Gold Miners. (2013, August 28). Human Rights Watch. Retrieved November 29, 2013, from http://www.hrw.org/news/2013/08/28/tanzania-hazardous-life-child-gold-miners