the mang’onyi gold mining project singida ... gold...mr. idd mhina & mr. frank nnongi 5 | page...

THE MANG’ONYI GOLD MINING PROJECT

SINGIDA REGION

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

AND

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT & SOCIAL MONITORING PLAN

(EM&SMP)

PROPONENTS

MR. IDD L. MHINA & MR. FRANK NNONGI

Submitted to the Ministry for Energy and Minerals,

With an Application for Mining Licence

February, 2007

Prepared by:

EGES Company (T) Limited, PO Box 72220, Dar es Salaam, TANZANIA

Mr. Idd Mhina & Mr. Frank Nnongi

1 | P a g e o f E I S a n d E M & S P

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 4

1.1. Background of the Project .................................................................................................. 4 1.2. Objective of the Report ...................................................................................................... 5

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ................................................................................... 6 2.1. Location............................................................................................................................... 6 2.2. Topography ......................................................................................................................... 7 2.3. Exploration History ............................................................................................................. 8 2.4. Geology of the Area ............................................................................................................ 8 2.5. Project Life Span ............................................................................................................... 13 2.6. Proposed Mining Equipment ............................................................................................ 13 2.7. Mining Methods ................................................................................................................ 13

3. POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ................................... 17 3.1. Overview ........................................................................................................................... 17 3.2. National Policies ................................................................................................................ 17 3.3. Legal Framework ............................................................................................................... 19 3.4. Administrative Framework ............................................................................................... 21

4. BASELINE OR EXISTING CONDITIONS ........................................................... 23 4.1. Physical Environment ........................................................................................................ 23 4.2. Flora and Fauna ................................................................................................................ 24 4.3. Social and Economic Environment .................................................................................... 24

5. ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS AND IDENTIFICATION OF ALTERNATIVES ......... 30 5.1. Impact Identification ......................................................................................................... 30 5.2. Physical Impacts ................................................................................................................ 30 5.3. Social‐Economic Impacts .................................................................................................. 32 5.4. Evaluation of Alternatives ................................................................................................. 34 5.5. Detailed Potential Environmental and Socio‐Economic Impacts ..................................... 36 5.6. Environmental Impact Ratings for the Project ................................................................. 41

6. MITIGATION OF IMPACTS ............................................................................... 42 6.1 Mitigation of Physical Environmental Impacts ................................................................. 42 6.2 Mitigation of Socio‐Economic Impacts ............................................................................. 45 6.3 Measures to Mitigate Environmental and Socio‐Economic Impacts ................................ 46

7 ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ........................................ 50 7.1 Monitoring Activities ........................................................................................................ 50 7.2 Resource Evaluation/ Cost Benefit Analysis ..................................................................... 50 7.3 Decommissioning .............................................................................................................. 51 7.4 Detailed Summary of the Environmental Management Plan ........................................... 52 7.5 Detailed Social Monitoring Plan (SMP) ............................................................................. 57

8 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...................................................... 58 8.1 Conclusion ......................................................................................................................... 58 8.2 Recommendations ............................................................................................................ 58

BIBLIOGRAPHY .................................................................................................... 59



TABLES

Table 2.1: Location Co‐ordinates of Applied Area ......................................................................... 6

Table 2.2: Equipments and Machinery to be Procured ............................................................... 13

Table 5.1: Source of Fugitive Dust and Smoke ............................................................................. 31

Table 5.2: Potential Impacts of the Project ................................................................................. 36

Table 5.3: Impact Rating of the Project ....................................................................................... 41

Table 6.1: Mitigation Measures ................................................................................................... 46

Table 7.1: Environmental Management Plan (EMP) ................................................................... 52

Table 7.2: Social monitoring Plan (SMP) ...................................................................................... 57



PLATES AND FIGURES

Plate 2.1: Topographic view of Mining Licence Applied Area (Google Earth) ................................. 6 Plate 2.2: Typical Topography of the Mining Licence Applied Area ................................................ 7 Plate 2.3: Typical Topography with Exploration Pits in the Applied Area ....................................... 7 Plate 2.4: Gold Searching Using Metal Detector. Small Scale Mining Effects ................................. 8 Plate 2.5: Typical Bulldozer ........................................................................................................... 14 Figure 2.1: Different Ways of Doing Gold Concentration ............................................................. 15 Figure 2.2: Schematic Drawing of gold Process Plant ................................................................... 16



1. INTRODUCTION

The area applied for mining licence has been licensed to Mr. Idd L. Mhina & Mr. Frank

Nnongi of P.O. Box 1513 SINGIDA ‐ TANZANIA. The proponents were granted several

primary mining licences covering a total surface area of about 146 hectares; and located

near Mang’onyi village in the Singida region. Following various studies and discoveries

within these primary mining licences, the proponents intends to convert these primary

mining licences into mining licences in order to be able to carry out mining and processing

of gold ore efficiently and effectively.

Obtaining a mining licence requires that the applicant fulfil specific conditions under the

various statutes; particularly the mining law and the environment laws, and that their

application be accompanied by certain documents. Among the documents the applicant is

required to attach is the Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan in

accordance with the Mining Act of 1998 and Mining Regulations of 1999.

This report therefore is part of the requirements that the applicant has prepared to

meet conditions required by the Mining Act of 1998 and also meets the requirement of the

Environmental Management Act, of 2004. The statement covers issues ranging from project

background, existing environmental conditions through to environment and social

management plans, in accordance with Environmental Management Regulations and

Guidelines.

1.1. Background of the Project

The project proponents started gold mining activities on their primary mining licence

early in 2007. The mining operation took place under sixteen primary mining licences (16

PMLs) issued by the ministry of Energy and Minerals, the licensing authority.

The PMLs issued were Nos. 0008581 to 0008594 and 0010376 to 0010377 covering a

total of 146 hectares equivalent to 1.46 square kilometres. Due to limited security that is

offered by owning primary mining licence, the fact that the area has huge potential to be

mined at larger scale operation and from the fact there is a possibility of importing large

machinery hence the need for long term licence tenure; the partnership opted to convert

these primary licences into mining licences (ML).

This move ensured that the partnership could enjoy entering into joint venture with any

other entity regardless of its nationality. It also meant that they can secure more funds and

get loans easily.



During the course of initial mining operation, the proponent discovered that the area

might offer more resources than anticipated earlier after finding out that there might be

gold bearing zones within the area. These findings prompted the proponent to reconsider

and instead of mining the area under primary mining licenses, they now opted to convert

them into a mining licence (ML). This option is in agreement with the prevailing mining law;

the Mining Act of 1998 and its regulation of 1999.

1.2. Objective of the Report

This report is prepared for presentation to the Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM),

as one of the requirements of issuance of a Mining Licence in order to allow the proponents

undertake mining operations in the area they own at a larger scale. Therefore, the main

objective of the report is to identify current and future environmental issues, their impacts

and how they can be mitigated in relation to intended mining activities in the Mining

Licence being sought by the Proponent.

Some of the specific objectives are:‐

To identify sensitive areas that might be affected by the proposed mining activities;

To identify socio – economic issues related to the project through consultation with

the surrounding communities;

To identify and analyse potential impacts of the undertaking; and

To propose appropriate mitigation measures based on collected data/ information.



2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.1. Location

The area for which the mining licence is being sought is near Mang’onyi Village, South‐East of Singida Town, the Administrative Headquarters for Singida Region. Currently, the proponents holds a total of sixteen (16) primary mining licenses over the area granted on 5thth April 2007, pursuant to the Mining Act, 1998.

The area is defined by lines of latitude and longitude having the corner coordinates shown below. The current PMLs cover an area of approximately 146 hectares.

Table 2.1: Location Coordinates of Applied Area

Corner Latitudes (S) Longitudes (E)

A 05º 15′ 00.00″ 35º 00′ 00.00″B 05º 15′ 00.00″ 35º 01′ 21.20″C 05º 15′ 05.73″ 35º 01′ 21.27″D 05º 15′ 06.21″ 35º 00′ 48.72″E 05º 15′ 12.86″ 35º 00′ 48.73″F 05º 15′ 12.77″ 35º 00′ 25.40″G 05º 15′ 19.35″ 35º 00′ 25.40″H 05º 15′ 19.20″ 35º 00′ 48.64″I 05º 15′ 25.81″ 35º 00′ 48.63″J 05º 15′ 25.82″ 35º 00′ 40.43″K 05º 15′ 32.45″ 35º 00′ 40.51″L 05º 15′ 32.41″ 35º 00′ 00.00″

. The coordinates are located on Topographic sheets 123/3 and the location of the licence is shown in map below.

Plate 2.1: Topographic view of Mining Licence Applied Area (Google Earth)



To reach the area from Singida a road on the northern‐east of the licences can be used, which is passable throughout the year.

2.2. Topography

The project area is dominated by flat plains which are spacious populated with trees and shrubs. The general topography of the area can be seen on plate 2.2 and plate 2.3 below.

Plate 2.2: Typical Topography of the Mining Licence Applied Area

Plate 2.3: Typical Topography with Exploration Pits in the Applied Area



2.3. Exploration History

The project area consists of various small scale mining operations that has commenced for the past three to four years. There are some primary mining licences held by small scale miners in addition to other prospecting licences owned by various companies that surround this applies area.

Artisanal miners have been mining gold in the area since late nineteen nineties. Various means of searching for minerals, particularly gold have been used as depicted on Plate 2.4, below where metal detector is used.

Plate 2.4: Gold Searching Using Metal Detector. Small Scale Mining Effects

Intensive and systematic exploration activities were carried out immediately after acquiring the Primary Mining Licence. Mineral exploration activities are still being undertaken in other areas surrounding the project area.

2.4. Geology of the Area

The Archaean crystalline rocks outcropping in the area represent an extension

westwards of the synorogenic granitic rocks mapped on the adjacent quarter degree sheet

124, Kelema. These rocks are quite extensively covered by superficial deposits, mainly

residual sandy soils and "mbuga" deposits. In the south‐west, the Precambrian rocks are

almost entirely obscured by the Kilimatinde "Cement" which attains a thickness of over 30

metres. The crystalline rocks are cut by north‐easterly‐striking dolerite dykes and two small

kimberlite pipes have so far been found in them.



The hill country lying between Kwa Mtoro and Sanzawa, the Kwa Mtoro block, is

demarcated along the south‐west by the north‐westerly‐striking Sanzawa boundary fault. In

the south‐east of the sheet, the rocks are affected by the north‐easterly‐striking Bubu fault;

and in the west of the area by the generally northerly‐striking Mpondi fault; the last two

faults form part of the Gregory Rift system. Structurally‐controlled helium‐bearing hot

springs occur at four localities, three in the west of the area and one on the south‐east.

2.4.1 Archaean.

Synorogenic granitic rocks outcrop over most of the area. They are dominantly

migmatitic granites, but adamellitic, granodioritic and microgranitic varieties also occur.

Variation between the types is frequent and apparently haphazard, and differences have

been indicated on the map by symbols only. Cataclasites derived from these rocks form

linear zones striking approximately 300° and with similarly‐striking shear zones where the

granite is granulated, they form a conspicuous geological feature bounding the Kwa Mtoro

block to the north; this direction is parallel to a coarse foliation observed in the un‐sheared

granitic rocks.

The typical synorogenic granite is often porphyroblastic, and either altered sodic

plagioclase or fresh microcline, or both, may form the porphyroblasts. These larger

crystals are surrounded by a finer‐grained mosaic of microcline, sodic plagioclase and

quartz. Biotite and epidote occur interstitially as the chief mafic constituents, the latter

frequently replacing the plagioclase. Biotite is often altering to chlorite. Fine grains of iron‐

ore are often disseminated throughout the rock. Allanite and sphene occur as minor

accessories. Not uncommon are rounded remnants of twinned plagioclase within

developing porphyroblasts of microcline perthite. All types of replacement textures are

encountered, and in the majority of rocks examined microcline and quartz appear to be

replacing previous minerals. Sericitization of the sodic feldspar is common. Xeijoliths,

skialiths, dark streaks and irregular basic patches occur throughout the synorogenic

migmatitic granite, but are particularly common in the north‐west of the area. In the

north‐east corner of the sheet, granulated synorogenic granitic rocks represent the extension

westwards of the Bubu Cataclasites which in the Kelema area (sheet 124) mark the thrust‐

zone boundary between the metasediments of the Kelema Group and the synorogenic

granite.

Migmatitic biotite and hornblende gneisses occur as small patches in the granite. These

are considered to be remnant patches of host rocks which were not completely assimilated

during the formation of the granite. Outcrops of this gneiss large enough to be represented

on the map were found only in the north‐west of the area.



A belt of migmatite with hornblende‐rich and trondhjemite bands is indicated to the

south‐west of the Sanzawa boundary fault. The relationship with the granite is not

certain. The northern boundary is obscured by superficial deposits and that in the south‐

west by the Kilimatinde "Cement" as well as by pegmatitic injections which have broken

through the banded migmatites along their contact with the granite.

The best outcrop of the migmatites is found in a river exposure south of Sanzawa. Here,

the main rock‐type is a banded migmatitic gneiss in which the hornblende‐rich and quartzo‐

feldspathic bands vary from a few inches to many yards in thickness. The leucocratic

trondhjemitic bands consist of quartz and oligoclase with subordinate hornblende and

sphene. The orientation of the quartz and hornblende defines the foliation. The sodic

feldspar is often altered to sericite and epidote and in places replacement by epidote is so

great that epidotites are formed. The hornblendic bands contain up to 80 per cent, of blue‐

green hornblende, with oligoclase, quartz and the usual accessory minerals and alteration

products. Amphibolites and biotite gneisses occur infrequently.

To the north the rocks are sheared and a band of mylonitic augen‐gneiss (ya) represents

the sheared junction of the granite with the banded migmatites. The Sanzawa fault would

appear to follow this structural zone along most of its length.

Other outcrops in this belt of banded migmatites between the Sanzawa fault and the

Mpondi Rift fault are obscured by the "Cement" except where this has been eroded away

along the Mpondi River and on the fault‐scarp west of Sambaru. Coarse mica gneisses,

sheared basic rocks and garnetiferous gneisses in the Mpondi River valley are included within

the same group of migmatites. These have been altered somewhat by later mica‐bearing

pegmatites and gneissose quartzo‐feldspathic segregations which have been intruded in the

Isanga, Maganzase and Msangasugh areas. The pegmatites are thought to‐ have been

emplaced along another shear zone which marks the junction of the migmatites with the

granite in the south‐west. Fine‐grained basic Cataclasites and phyllonites outcropping on the

fault‐scarp west of Sambaru are thought to be the sheared equivalents of the banded

migmatites.

Cataclasites also outcrop south of Sambaru, mylonite at Sambaru and eataclasites and

sheared vein quartz on Mzale Hill north of Sambaru.

There are few metamorphosed igneous rocks. A variolitic metadolerite outcrops three

miles and a half north of Mzale Hill and further to the north‐west an interesting

metamorphosed porphyritic dolerite (now a '‐porphyritic" amphibolite) outcrops on the

Mpondi fault‐scarp. This latter rock is quite unique in Tanganyika. Chlorite‐tremolite schists

which outcrop seven miles west of Kwa Mtoro represent a small metamorphosed ultrabasic

intrusion. Neogene.—The Kilimatinde "Cement" is dominantly a silcrete, but small areas



and pockets of calcrete and ferricrete occur. On the Mpondi fault‐scarp and in the banks of

the Mpondi River in the vicinity of Isanga, where the "Cement" has been eroded to expose

Precambrian rocks, the deposit is between 15 and 30 metres thick.

The Kilimatinde "Cement" shows considerable variation in lithology from place to place

depending on its mode of formation and if is considered that alluvial fans, sandy river

alluvium, shallow lake deposits and colluvial material have all contributed to its origin.

The "Cement" was formed in a shallow basin developed on a nearby planed land surface

with residual hills. The larger of these inselbergs were not completely buried by the deposit

and now protrude through the "Cement"; a good example is Kilinga Hill in the south‐west of

the area. It is suggested that the Sanzawa fault‐scarp acted as a barrier on the north of the

basin of deposition, thus limiting the northerly extent of the Kilimatinde "Cement". If this is

so, then the Sanzawa boundary fault is pre‐"Cement" in age, and initial erosion of the fault‐

scarp may well have supplied an amount of material for the deposit.

Perhaps the most common rock‐type is silicified sandstone. Sub‐angular to sub‐rounded

quartz grains are contained in an opaline matrix. This siliceous matrix appears to have

increased its growth at the expense of the original quartz grains, for where it is well

developed the quartz grains are more rounded, fewer in number and show replacement

borders with the matrix. Only rarely does the sandstone contain feldspar grains.

Conglomeratic horizons are quite common.

Another common rock‐type found in the Kilimatinde "Cement" is an unsorted colluvial

arkose; unlike the sandstone, this has suffered little transportation. Angular to sub‐angular

grains and rock fragments of quartz, microcline and altered oligoclase occur in a fine‐grained

matrix of quartz and clay material which has been silicified in part. This matrix may be well‐

developed or almost non‐existent. Heavy mineral separations on this type of silcrete showed

grains of magnetite, ilmenite, mica, pyrite, zircon, tourmaline, chlorite, monazite and barite.

In the Bahi depression, thirty miles to the south of the sheet, 75 metre of lake beds

provisionally referred to Plio‐Pleistocene, overlie the Kilimatinde "Cement" which might

therefore extend down to early Pliocene or Miocene.

2.4.2 Structure.

The main morphological features of the country are defined by faulting. Some of the

faults are Plio‐Pleistocene (Rift) in age and others are older, but there has almost certainly

been subsequent movement along some of the older faults during the Plio‐Pleistocene rifting.



The southern boundary of the Kwa Mtoro block is determined by the northwesterly‐

trending Sanzawa fault which has itself apparently followed a Precambrian structural zone.

The trace of this fault is to a large extent concealed beneath superficial deposits. The

block is broken into segments by numerous north‐easterly‐striking fractures which were

probably initiated at the same time as the Sanzawa fault. Associated with the fractures are

parallel‐striking dolerite dykes which are particularly well‐developed in the Toncolo area,

one olivine‐dolerite striking for eleven miles. The north‐easterly‐striking structures

control the drainage of the Kwa Mtoro block; all the primary tributaries of the Bubu

and Mpondi rivers follow these lines. In the north‐west, the block is terminated by a fault

zone which runs to the east of, and parallel to, the Mpondi rift‐fault. It is considered that

these faults were also initiated at the same time as the Sanzawa fault and that further

movement occurred along this zone during the rifting when these faults probably acted as

antithetic fractures to the Mpondi rift‐fault. Two of the helium‐bearing hot spring localities

are situated on this line.

The Kwa Mtoro block extends to the east, beyond the area, into the Chenene Hills. The

northern termination of the block is an erosion feature marking the well‐defined shear zones

which occur in the granite to the north and west of Kwa Mtoro. The wide valley now

occupied by the Basua stream to the north of this erosion feature is thought to have been

formed by the Mpondi River prior to the deflection of its course southwards as a result of

block‐tilting during the Plio‐Pleistocene rift‐faulting. The Mpondi River may originally have

flowed to the south‐east as a tributary of the Bubu‐Kinyasungwe drainage system.

The Mpondi and Bubu Plio‐Pleistocene rift‐faults strike approximately parallel in a

north‐easterly direction in the south of the area. The Bubu Fault continues to the north‐

east following the old fracture direction of the Kwa Mtoro block. To the east of Kilinga Hill,

the Mpondi Fault assumes a north‐north‐westerly direction, apparently following the line of

the shear zone at the junction of the granite and the banded migmatites. Further to the

north, cross‐fractures in the fault‐system follow the old north‐easterly‐striking structural

pattern.

2.4.3 Economic Geology.

The mica‐bearing pegmatites at Maganzase were investigated by the Geological Survey

Division, but were found to be of a low grade with only few pockets of good‐quality mica.

Kimberlites so far recorded do not apparently carry diamonds; other pipes may occur beneath

the Kilimatinde "Cement".

The hot springs at Minyere (Manyeghi) have recently been investigated as a source of

helium by the Geological Survey Division, but it would not appear that the flow of helium



could be increased to make an economic proposition. Other similar helium‐bearing springs

occur at Takwa, Sambaru and Conga.

2.5. Project Life Span

Based on preliminary exploration results in the licence area, it is expected that a medium scale mine capable of processing a maximum of 250 tonnes per day of gold bearing ore will be initially installed. Basing on this and the requirement of the law, the licence will be sought for an initial period of 10 years. This is based on the proposed mining operations and equipment that will be employed.

The size of the licence will be approximately 1.5 square kilometres; well below the maximum permissible size of ten (10) square kilometres.

2.6. Proposed Mining Equipment

The company has started preparations to acquire mining equipment in anticipation of granting of the applied mining licences.

Table 2.2: Equipments and Machinery to be Procured

No. Item Quantity

1. Backhoe 1

2. Excavator 1

3. Bulldozer 1

4. Compressors 2

5. Dumpers 20t 2

6. Drilling machines 2

7. Wheel Loaders 2

8. Water Pumps 2

9. 4 Wheel drive P/ ups 2

10. Generators 2

11. Workshop Equipments Various

12. Welding machine 1

13. Drilling rods Various

14. Mineral Processing Plant Unit

2.7. Mining Methods

The mining method used to extract a particular mineral deposit depends on the type of deposit and the economics involved with extraction. When the deposit occurs in veins or beds that extend deep into the Earth's crust or when the overburden (overlying soil and



rocks) is very thick, underground mining methods are required. When the deposit is near the surface, surface mining methods such as open pit or quarrying may be most efficient.

Surface mining methods are commonly used for mineral resources that are close to the surface, low in quality, and large in quantity. Even though the mineral resource is near the surface, however, the overburden must be removed before the mineral resource can be extracted. Bulldozers and power shovels are used to remove the overburden and to mine the mineral resource. Some mineral resources that are mined using surface methods include coal, gold, iron, gypsum, and copper. Special surface mining methods used for specific conditions include open pit mining and strip mining, which involve the same basic methods and equipment. While quarrying and placer mining are also surface mining methods, they use significantly different methods and equipment as discussed below.

For this project as outlines earlier, the deposit occurs as both alluvial and primary veins. Initially, therefore the project proponents intend to use open‐pit mining method down to a depth of about 30 to 50 metres for both the alluvial and primary oxidised veins. Thereafter, evaluation will be made to assess the existing reserves and evaluate alternative mining methods.

2.7.1 Mining operation

Bulldozer will be used to strip the top soil to clear the ground to remove shrubs and bushes. Thereafter, the top soil (humus layer) will be carefully stripped and stockpiled at a designated place for later usage in rehabilitation. The rest of the overburden will be excavated using excavator up to a depth of between4‐6 m and will be stockpiled separately.

Plate 2.5: Typical Bulldozer Plate 2.6: Typical Excavator

Once the overburden has been stripped, the gold bearing ore will be blasted and then mined by excavator and then loaded into 20 tonne dump trucks which will haul it to the ore stockpile area near the processing plant.

Only one shift (8 hrs) will be used, and for that one day shift, about 250 tonnes of ore will be mined.



2.7.2 Processing operation

Processing of mineral ore is the most important and crucial aspect of mineral exploitation. Knowing the characteristic of the mineral ore, how the valuable minerals are interlocked in the mineral matrix, its grindability to free up the valuables among other things is important to enable one make a better choice to use in the processing of that particular ore. Often the ore characteristics changes with depth, and hence processing methods should be able to compensate for such changes.

Depending on the characteristic of the ore; the process might follow one or more of the steps shown on figure 2.1 below.

Figure 2.1: Different Ways of Doing Gold Concentration

For this project, the stockpiled ore will be fed into a primary crusher to reduce its size to a feed that will be acceptable to the ball mill. If required the ore will be feed to a semi‐autogenous grinding (SAG) mill which will be in closed circuit with secondary crusher prior to reporting to the ball mill. The ground ore will then be sent to cyclone where the underflow will be returned to the ball mill and the overflow will report to roughers via screens to remove any trash. Typical example of the process is as depicted on figure 2.2.



Figure 2.2: Schematic Drawing of gold Process Plant



3. POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK

3.1. Overview

This chapter is necessary and mandatory as it ensures that necessary steps and adequate precautions are well thought out and instituted in the project design to prevent environmental damage, injury to persons, other living resources, and pollution caused by effects of mining operation activities in line with the policies, laws, regulations and guidelines.

The National Environment Policy, 1997 and the National Mineral Policy 1997 emphasize the need for an investor to undertake an environmental impact assessment where applicable. The chapter is prepared in line with the Environmental Impact Statement and Audit Regulations, Section 18(2) of 2005 and conforms to the requirements of Section 81 of the Environmental Management Act, 2004

3.2. National Policies

Relevant policies with relevance to this project are examined. Polices in this chapter include the Mineral Policy, the National Environment Policy, the Land Policy, the National Water Policy, etc. These policies are sectoral in nature guiding each sector on activities and are examined because they influence directly this project.

3.2.1. National Environment Policy of 1997

The integrated approach of the proposal is in harmony with the plan, schedule and operation of the project. The project ensures that its operation is consistent with the overall objectives of the National Environment Policy. The policy provides a framework for multi‐sector participation and cooperation to achieve sustainable development; and seeks to ensure sustainable and equitable use of resources for meeting the basic needs of present and future generations, without degrading the environmental resource base or risking health and safety.

The policy among other issues emphasizes the need to protect water, vegetation and air; to conserve and enhance natural and manmade heritage; including biological diversity; to improve condition and productivity of rural and urban settlements. Furthermore, the policy emphasizes on the importance of observing procedures for proper use of chemicals in order to minimize pollution of water sources.



3.2.2. Mineral Sector Policy of 1997

The Mineral Policy stresses private sector led mineral development, which ensures that mining is conducted in an environmentally sustainable manner. The major roles of the government are regulating, promoting and facilitating.

Some of the mineral policy objectives, which are directly related to the project, are:

• to stimulate exploration and mining activities;

• to ensure that wealth generated from mining support sustainable economic and social development;

• to minimise or eliminate adverse social and environmental impact of mining activities;

It is from these objectives that the government instituted environmental management regulations under the mining law.

3.2.3. National Land Policy of 1995

The project proposal is consistent with the National Land Policy of 1995 which provides among other considerations, incentives for promoters to maintain and develop the site accordingly, reduce land use conflicts and increase value added on products. The project implementation will abide to all requirements of the policy.

3.2.4. National Water Policy of 2002

The planning, sitting, designing and construction/operations of the project is also consistent with the National Water Policy of 2002 which provides for a comprehensive sustainable and equitable development and use of water resources for sustainable development. The policy among other things, seeks to ensure more efficient utilization of existing water resources and improved monitoring to control water quality and arrest contamination from industrial sewerage and excessive use of chemicals. These objectives require on integrated and holistic planning and management in areas of water use and disposal of effluents.

The planned project objectives are consistent with the objectives of the water policy on cleaner production practices, effective and efficient utilization of water, water conservation, and application of environmentally friendly chemicals to minimize pollution of water sources, to mention a few.

3.2.5. National Human Settlement Development Policy of 2000

The planning of the proposed mining project is in harmony with this policy. Among others, one of the objectives of National Human Settlement Development Policy of 2000 is



to protect human settlements, the environment and embedded ecosystems thereof from environmental pollution, environmental degradation and destruction or loss of biodiversity in order to attain sustainable development. The project is in line with this policy. The project operation will as much as possible be confined to areas far from concentrated village settlements.

3.2.6. National Health Policy of 1990

The policy objectives related to the mining project are the provision of neighbouring village community needs such as water supplies, waste disposal services and promotion of other related health programmes such as food and hygiene. The project proponent will at all time seek to help the surrounding community in the provision of water, health services, waste disposal services and environmental education.

3.3. Legal Framework

The project will be implemented in the overall context of legal frameworks that govern mining activities. Some of the few legal frameworks that are to be observed by the proponents pertaining to mining activities include:

3.3.1. Environmental Management Act of 2004

The Act provides a legal and institutional framework for the sustainable management of the environment. It outlines the principles for management, impact and risk assessments, the prevention and control of pollution, waste management, environmental quality standards, public participation, compliance and enforcement. It provides the basis for the implementation of international instruments on the environment and the National Environmental Policy. The mining operations for this project will be in consistence with the Act.

3.3.2. Mining Act of 1998

It is perhaps under the newly enacted Mining Act, 1998 that a much more serious attempt has been made to incorporate EIA requirements into planning and decision‐making processes. This legislation makes extensive provisions for environmental matters in relation to mining activities, introducing ‐ for the first time ‐ mandatory EIA requirements as a condition for granting various categories of mining licenses.

Under section 38(4)(c), every application for a mining license must be accompanied by the applicant's environmental management plan (EMP), including his proposals for the prevention of pollution, waste treatment, protection and reclamation of land and water resources and for eliminating or minimizing adverse effects on the environment of mining



operations. This requirement is also applicable in cases of application for renewals of the mining license.

In addition, the Act requires every applicant for a mining license to liaise with the commission and produce to the Minister responsible for mining an environmental impact assessment on proposed mining operations from independent consultants of international standing short‐listed by the applicant and approved by the Government.

The project is applying for Mining Licence, which is valid for 10 years and renewable for a similar term. The requirement under the mining law for an EIA is also applicable to this type of licence. It is under these conditions that this report has been prepared.

3.3.3. Explosives Act of 1963

Under this Act, a permit is required for the acquisition, possession, storage or use of

explosives. The project is going to use explosives during mining of primary reefs. The project

developer will adhere to the provisions under the Explosives Act during blasting operations

in the project.

3.3.4. Land Act and Village Land Act of 1999

The Acts seek to control land use and clarify issues pertaining to ownership of land and land‐based resources, transactions on land and land administration. The Land Acts identify three categories of land; village, public and/ general and protected or restricted land (e.g. national parks, forest reserves, etc). The planned mining activities is consistent with both legislations will strictly consider the existing land use systems.

3.3.5. Water Act of 1974

The proposed mining activities are also in conformity with Water Acts. As mentioned before, the Water Act principally seeks to ensure that water is utilized without sectoral conflicts, and without causing pollution. This is the spirit of both Act of 1974 and Act of 1981. They were enacted to control and protect water resources. The Act places a regime of water rights to govern access to water use. Pollution control norms and standards are embodied in the water rights and the mining activities operations will be bound to strictly observe the requirement of the Act.

Apart from incorporating pollution control and having prevention conditionality in the water rights, the Act goes a step further by putting in place a regime in consent with discharge of effluent. Under Section 15 A (1) of the Act, no person may discharge effluent from any commercial, industrial or other trade waste systems into receiving waters without a consent duly granted by a Water Officer. The Act also contains two schedules which set standards for receiving waters and effluent.



The project will use water for various stages of mineral exploitation. As such retaining and settling ponds will be used to enable water recycling and clearing/cleaning before returning the same to the river system. Furthermore, the project will recycle wastewater as much as possible in a closed water system hence, reducing the need to return water into the river system.

3.3.6. Local Government (District and Urban Authorities) Act of 1982

This Act provides for detailed responsibility for Urban and District councils in the administration of their day‐to‐day activities. Waste management is pointed out as one of the activities to be managed by both District and Urban Authorities. Accordingly, the proposed mining activities will seek to liaise with District Authorities.

3.4. Administrative Framework

3.4.1. The Vice President’s Office

The Vice President’s Office has the overall responsibility of environmental issues in Tanzania. There is a National Environmental Advisory Committee which serves as an advisory body to the Minister responsible for environment, or sector Ministry, on environmental matters referred to it. There is a Director of Environment heading the Division of Environment. The Director for Environment is responsible for matters pertaining to the management of the environment.

3.4.2. Ministry of Energy and Minerals

The Ministry for Energy and Minerals (MEM) is responsible for monitoring the development and proper function of the mining sector of Tanzania. MEM is the Lead Ministry in the proposed undertaking by the project. MEM is responsible for the periodic inspection and monitoring of mining activities. The nearest office to the project is in Singida Town.

3.4.3. The National Environment Management Council

The National Environment Management Council (NEMC) is a corporate body mandated by the Environmental Management Act to undertake enforcement, compliance, and review and monitoring of environmental impact assessment and facilitates public participation in environmental decision‐making, among other responsibilities. NEMC advices Ministerial sectors to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Environmental Management Act.

3.4.4. The Local Government Authority



The local government authority in the project area is responsible for such day to day activities that have direct impact on the local community, namely health, education and related issues. The proponents will collaborate with the local authorities on these and other matters.

3.4.5. Nongovernmental Organisations

The role of the NGOs and CBOs is to act as watchdog to ensure that the project developers adhere to agreed environmental management and social monitoring plans. In addition, they will act as awareness and outreach agents for the community.



4. BASELINE OR EXISTING CONDITIONS

4.1. Physical Environment

4.1.1. Topography and Drainage

Singida region occupies the northern part of the central plateau. Topographically, its

landscape drops east‐ward to the rift valley and west‐ward to the Wembere depression. A

large plateau of an average elevation of 1000 metres extends from the centre towards the

south and south‐west of Singida Township, while in the north ‐ west of the region, the

Iramba plateau rises to an elevation of about 1,500 metres above sea level.

A large part of Singida region is arid, and the rainfall amount decreases from north to

south of the region.

The region has a series of valleys, depressions and river catchments which form the

basis of its land drainage system and soil types. Geologically, the region consists of granite

batholiths rocks, peneplains, and volcanic plateaus comprising fertile clay loamy soils on

top and sandy clay loams to sandy pebbly surface materials down the catena. There are

five rivers in the region namely Ndurumo, Wamba, Msuguluda, Heka and Mponda. Except

for Ndurumo River, the rest are seasonal.

There are also three major distinguished river catchments, namely: Ndurumo catchment

discharging into Lake Kitangiri towards the north‐west, Wamba/Msugulunda catchment

discharging into the Wembere Swamps which are in the West of Singida region, and

Maduma/Msemembo catchment discharging into the Bahi Swamps in the south east.

4.1.2. Climate

The average annual rainfall ranges between 500 ‐ 800 millimetres. The highest and more

reliable rainfall is recorded in the northern part of the region where rainfall exceeds 750

millimetres in most seasons. The lowest rainfall is usually recorded in the western part of

Manyoni district. Rainfall in this area is as low as 500 millimetres. The highest rainfall is

usually recorded in Iramba Plateau and the north‐eastern part of Iramba where it reaches

800 millimetres. In normal circumstances, rainfall usually takes place from mid‐November

ending in April or early May every year.

Temperature in the region ranges between 15°C and 30°C depending on season and

altitude. The coldest period in the year is in July while the hottest period is in October and

November. On the other hand, relative humidity (Rh) at noon rises from 36 percent in the

driest month to 58 percent during the wet season. Evaporation is almost similar in the



region and averages close to 2000 millimetres annually, being a bit higher in Singida

district. It is lowest in April. During this month it goes down to 1400 millimetres.

Evaporation is highest in October reaching about 2200 millimetres. Wind speed is usually

highest in Singida and gets particularly high during the dry season which is between May

and October.

4.2. Flora and Fauna

About 1,775,000 hectares or about 36 percent of the total land area in the region is

covered with different tree species, thickets and miombo woodlands. A large part of the

region offers a natural habitat for wildlife with a wide range of game.

No major fauna encountered within the area except for a few Monkeys, Snakes, Rats,

lizards, and some frogs and toads.

4.3. Social and Economic Environment

4.3.1. General Description

The economy of Singida region is predominantly rural with well over 95 per cent of its

population engaging in subsistence land based production. The main productive sectors in

the region are agriculture, livestock, natural resources, mining, industry and trade. Like

many regions in the country, agriculture is a major occupation of a large number of people

in the region and accounts for about 60 percent of the region's total income. The main

food crops are maize, millet and finger millet, sorghum, paddy, cassava and sweat

potatoes; while sunflower, cotton, tobacco, wheat, beans, groundnuts, peas and onions

are the major cash crops.

Livestock is the second most important resource for the region's economy. Most

people own livestock and depend on them for their livelihood. The region is a major

exporter of beef cattle to other parts of the country. Other sectors contributing to the

economy of the region are; natural resources (mainly through agro‐forestry, wildlife,

beekeeping and fishing), mining, industry and commence.

Industrial production and commercial activities in the region are still minimal and

contribute very little to the region's GDP. However studies made for the sector indicate

that the region has great potential for business and establishment of small scale

industries, especially rural industries which can utilize local materials and easily acquired

or existing local skills to meet the local demand for goods and services of the community

in the region and for export.



4.3.1.1 Socio‐Economic Conditions

Singida region is performing well in a number of socio‐economic aspects. For example, the

region is doing fairly well in health provision, where in some cases, it even excels national

standards. However the region is poor with regard to primary arid secondary education

given its high illiteracy rate.

4.3.1.2 Natural Resources

The region is endowed with a vast natural resource base. About 36 percent of the region is

forest consisting mainly of Miombo woodlands which provide excellent tropical hardwood.

The forest land also provides a favourable habitat for wildlife with tourist attractions.

These forests have high potential for beeswax and honey production, besides contributing

to soil and water conservation.

4.3.1.3 Industry

The level of industrial activities in Singida region is very low contributing very little to the

regions income. Industrial activities are mainly small scale processing industries, operated

mainly by private entrepreneurs. The region is well endowed with a wide range of natural

wood for timber, hence it has great potential for both non‐farm and agro‐forestry

industrial activities. Potential industrial activities in the region include oil seed processing,

saw‐milling, logging and carpentry.

4.3.1.4 Mining

Mineral reserves in the region include gold, diamonds, silicon salt, gypsum and green

tourmaline. Others are emerald, soda‐ash, limestone, garnets, ruby, rhodolite, amethyst,

and aquamarine. Extraction of these minerals is done on a very small scale, mostly by

local small miners who are ill‐equipped, lack capital, and are poorly organized. Thus, the

contribution of the mining sector to the economy of the region is minimal. In short, there

is a big potential for development of the sector for both small and large scale miners.

4.3.1.5 Employment

The major category of employment in Singida consists of people earning their livelihood

from income ‐ generating activities undertaken by them. Apart from this self‐employed

category, there is also another group of people employed in both public and private sector.

The informal sector is also emerging in all urban areas in the region.



4.3.1.6 Industrial Development

Singida region is one of the regions with poor industrial development. Certainly, this has

been caused by various factors which are cultural, economic and social in nature.

Currently, the region has established small scale industries which are mainly operated by

private individuals, partnership companies, co‐operatives and few by public institutions.

4.3.1.7 Industrial Potential

Singida region is endowed with a wide range of natural resources that could lead to the

establishment of resource based industries like gypsum mining, milling, lime and chalk

making, tomato sauce production, brewing of whisky from honey, salt extraction, ghee

extraction, carpet weaving, pottery and handcraft production. The region has a wide

scope of establishing demand‐based industries since most of these products are brought

to Singida from other regions. Because of excessive transport cost it would be economical

to produce some of these locally, so as to satisfy local demand.

4.3.2. Infrastructure

The road network is not well developed in Singida region despite the fact that, it is

surrounded by six regions. Trunk, regional, district and feeder roads account for 18, 26, 26,

and 30 per cent of the total road network respectively. The Regional road network can be

categorized according to the surface of the roads. According to this criterion, Singida region

has three types of road surface namely: tarmac, gravel and earth.

Generally, Singida region has the least tarmac road network. On the other hand, the

general condition of road network is poor, due to irregular maintenance. The condition of

rural roads is worse despite the importance attached to these roads as links between

producing areas and marketing centres. Available data shows that, about 86 percent of

Singida rural roads are in poor condition and always impassable during rainy season.

4.3.2.1 Railways

The central railway line crosses the region in the Southern part of Manyoni District.

This line is very crucial economically to Singida region since it serves directly several

villages of Kintinku, Makutopora, Saranda and the towns of Manyoni and Itigi. Other

villages served are Aghondi, Kitaraka and Kalangasi. This line serves transportation of

passengers, goods and livestock. There is also a Manyoni‐Singida railway extension line

that provides services to villages along its line and Singida Town.



4.3.2.2 Air Transport

There is no airport in the region; hence there are no regular commercial flights.

However, there are several private airstrips which cater for light air craft mainly for

emergency cases such as flying doctors. One private airstrip is located a few metres to the

north of the mining licence application in question.

4.3.3. Social Service Infrastructure

4.3.4.1 Education

Education in any society is fundamental and a pre‐requisite for socio‐economic

development. The region has several primary and secondary school. Some of these are

owned by Government and others are owned by private sector including various religious

bodies.

4.3.4.2 Health Services

The health sector policy in Singida region, as elsewhere in the country, is geared toward

promoting primary health care and the general health status of all people in the region.

The region has a fairly satisfactory health infrastructure including several Hospitals. Health

Centres and a good number of Dispensaries. However hospitals and most of rural health

centres and dispensaries need rehabilitation and provision of essential tools and

equipments in order to work effectively.

The distribution of health service is uneven, although given the statistics on health in

relation to served population, the region fares close to the national targets. Nevertheless,

not all of the population is covered satisfactorily. There is also a shortage of trained and

qualified personnel, mainly specialists, Medical Officers and Grade A nurses.

In general, health performance in the region is adversely affected by limited funding,

that has resulted into inadequate supply of drugs and Materials, poor incentives for health

workers, little efforts on primary health care, inadequate transport facilities when need

arises, and poor working environment due to lack of maintenance and rehabilitation of

existing facilities. In spite of this, the performance of the health sector in the region is

encouraging.

4.3.4.3 Water Supply

Singida region like other regions in central Tanzania has very limited water sources.

Rivers which are the only reliable source of water are seasonal and dry up in the dry



season. Although there are several lakes and dams in the region their water are virtually

unfit for domestic consumption because of high salinity and contamination. There are a

number of rivers and natural water springs scattered in the region, but they do not yield

adequate water to meet the high water demand in the region.

The region will, for foreseeable future, depend mainly on ground water as a reliable safe

water source for domestic use and few surface water sources.

In rural areas it is estimated that about 56 percent of the region's water is obtained

from traditional unimproved dug‐wells, ponds and open holes. Natural water springs,

shallow‐wells, tube‐wells and bore‐holes constitute a minority 44 percent, although they

represent a dependable and safe rural water supply source in the region, while small dams

and swamps constitute the main source of water for livestock. Rain water harvest is also

one possible source of rural water supply that has not been exploited although a few

catchment systems are being tried by some institutions within the region to supplement

other sources.

The current policy on water supply in both rural and urban areas, in the country, is

geared towards providing adequate water supply, efficient Management and supportive

systems, while promoting community and private participation at all levels of water

development programmes, The policy aims at creating an appropriate organisational and

support systems that involve all water beneficiaries from plan formulation, construction,

operations and maintenance of water projects. So far the participation of non‐governmental

organizations (NGOs), community based organisations (CBO), and the general public in

support of the government efforts in rural water supply in Singida region is very high.

The technology used for supply of safe water in Singida region is quite varied, ranging

from gravity, shallow‐wells fitted with hand‐pumps, diesel and electric or motor driven

engine‐pumps, drawing water from surface source and boreholes, wind‐mills, dams charcos

and rain water harvest.

Gravity schemes are not prevalent in Singida because of severe dry climatic conditions

where many rivers do not survive even a single season. Diesel pumped‐piped water and

electric‐driven‐pumps, or motor driven technology is extremely expensive, and is only used

in areas where no other option is feasible. Shallow‐wells fitted with hand‐pumps on the

other hand, are preferable to motor pumped schemes, and is a prevalent technology in the

region because they are less expensive, easier to maintain, sustainable and can serve a large

number of people.

Rain water harvest is also a lesser expensive technology which is starting to take root in

the region. Although not yet adequately exploited, and still nascent in the region, a number



of rain water catchment systems have successful been developed especially by private

institutions, mainly Christian Missions. In these institutions rain water is being used to

supplement other water sources. The technology is generally unpopular in the region, but it

can effectively reduce the problem of clean water shortage in Singida region if efforts and

resources are directed to exploit its abundant potentials.

4.3.4.4 Energy Sources

Singida region is connected to the national grid which also serves Mwanza and Musoma

regions. This line serves a few areas leaving the district headquarters of Manyoni and

Iramba without electricity. This means the region has limited industrial development, due to

lack of power supply.

The entire population residing in the rural areas depend heavily on firewood as the

main source of energy. The demand for fuel wood has a detrimental effect on the

environment as it accelerates soil erosion and soil infertility, which together, lead to poor

crop production. In order to restore the ecosystems in the region, there is a need to find

another source of energy.

Despite having a good number of livestock, biogas technology is not known to many

people. It has been estimated that only 7 cattle are needed to produce energy sufficient for

cooking and lighting for a family of ten people. It is, therefore, being suggested that, efforts

should be directed towards the use of biogas technology as an alternative source of energy,

particularly for the rural people,



5. ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS AND IDENTIFICATION OF ALTERNATIVES

5.1. Impact Identification

Mining operations involve different activities which may have both positive and negative impacts both during exploration, construction, operation and mine closure activities. As such it is imperative that planning of all mining activities should include measures that are geared to minimize negative impacts taking into consideration that the area has already been subjected to artisanal mining activities.

The most common environmental impacts associated with mining activities include impact to soil, erosion, alteration to natural topography of the area and its associated visual impacts as well as nuisance impacts, such as noise and dust. In addition, there are potential social‐economic impacts resulting from the mining activities as outline below. A detailed account of the potential impacts is included in tabular forms giving a rating on each potential impact.

5.2. Physical Impacts

These are impacts related to the actual operations at the licence area. The impacts are the outcome of mining operations, (i.e. stripping the topsoil, removing the overburden and gem paying gravel, and transportation of these materials); processing or washing of gem gravel and lastly during rehabilitation. The impacts will extent into the decommissioning and closure phase as well.

5.2.1. Construction Phase

The abandoned mine pits are the most conspicuous environmental impact so far of small scale miners who have caused environmental degradation. The pits were dug without using any acceptable techniques.

Additional but minor impacts are expected from construction of supportive infrastructures e.g. Mineral recovery plant, Power lines, water storage facilities, workshop facilities, housing accommodation for workers etc, which can result into loss of biodiversity, aesthetic impacts (the visibility of the accommodation and other buildings), improper sewage treatment and waste disposal, as well as littering.

Anticipated impacts during the construction phase include air pollution, increased sediment load, interference with natural drainage and restricted access through the project area.



5.2.2. Mineral extraction/Operation phase

During mining operations that will initially involve mining of alluvial and/or oxide ore and stripping of overburden to reach the ore body, will result into movement of large quantities of soil for stockpiling and treatment. Later on, mining of primary reefs will involve drilling, limited blasting and loading of the blasted material and its transportation to the processing plant.

Expected impacts will be air and water pollution, destruction of property due to vibrations and health and safety hazards on workers. The potential impacts could arise from the following:

• Wind and water erosion that may increase sediment loads and decrease water quality in streams, reduce the productivity of the soil and create a dust nuisance;

• Contamination of surface or ground water by sediment, release of toxic elements from overburden, tailings or wastes, or spills of oil or fuel as surface runoff or as underground seepage;

• Changes to surface and ground water flows and levels;

• Damage to soils including acidification (from use of ammonia nitrate explosives), pollution and compaction or loss of soil structure;

• Dust/smoke and a reduction of visibility caused by the following:

Table 5.1: Source of Fugitive Dust and Smoke

Source Cause of Emission

Mining Areas

• Excavation and digging by machines

• Wind erosion of the mined & exposed surfaces.

• Movement of machines and vehicles within the mining area.

Processing Plant

• Movement of haul trucks.

• Dumping and tipping of ore

• Processing of dry solids.

Soil and Ore Stockpiles • Creation of stockpiles.

• Wind erosion of stockpiled materials.

• Physical rehabilitation actions

Roads • Movement of heavy machines and vehicles

• Wind erosion of surfaces.



• Noise nuisance, the likely sources of which would include the following:

o The diesel driven generators used for the provision of power for both the washing plant and staff quarters;

o Vehicle noise; particularly from heavy earthmoving machinery;

o Noise associated with crushing and grinding of ore in the process plant, and

o Noise associated with staff quarters.

• Generation of tailings and other wastes that may release toxic elements or be mobilised by erosive forces;

• Possible sudden failure of engineered containment structures such as tailings dam embankments, settling and holding ponds, resulting in release of sediments into the water system;

• Acid mine drainage from tailings, ore and waste dumps that can generate acid through bacterial oxidation when exposed to moisture and oxygen ‐ this acid leach may then mobilise heavy metals that can be released into the environment;

• Loss of flora including direct losses through clearing and indirect effects due to the spread of plant pathogens and weeds;

• Loss of fauna including direct losses through vegetation clearing and the indirect effects on species through the reduction and fragmentation of habitat and the introduction of feral animals;

• Damage to heritage sites; and

• Destruction of adjacent habitats arising from the development of camps, mine villages/towns and services stimulated by the mining project

5.2.3. Decommissioning Phase

Activities during decommissioning and mine closure after the resources have been exhausted could result into negative environmental impacts such as pollution of water (surface and underground) and accidents due to uncovered mine workings.

5.3. Social‐Economic Impacts

While mining projects, undeniably, may cause severe localised effects, some positive aspects are always experienced such as bringing in of massive investment capital into those localised areas, the creation of local jobs, getting involved in the building of new



infrastructure, and generating substantive profits that help improve the condition of local people, including those who have been displaced or relocated.

However, it is not easy to judge if these benefits outweigh any local loss of land regardless of any compensation to landowners. Displacement involves not only the physical eviction from a dwelling, but also the expropriation of productive farm‐lands and other assets.

Always there are people who are negatively impacted and stand to lose, as a consequence of the project, all or part of their physical and non‐physical assets, including homes; communities; productive lands; resources such as forests, rangelands, or important cultural sites; commercial properties; tenancy; income‐earning opportunities; and social and cultural networks and activities. This being the case, addressing the issue of “Rehabilitation” matters pertaining to restoring the incomes, livelihoods, and social systems of those impacted upon by the project should be included and assurance given to at least return to the level of their pre‐project status.

Health risks associated with mining ventures include impact on the already marginal health status of local areas and are worsened by the stress and trauma of moving (displaced) and increased population. Recurring problems are reported with resettled populations not gaining access to safe potable water and safe sewage;‐ increased diarrhoea, dysentery and epidemic infections often result. As might be expected, the health impacts fall disproportionately on infants, children, expecting mothers and the elderly.

Other comparable risks and impacts include the loss of access to public services, increased food insecurity, the loss of access to common property, social disarticulation, and the loss of civil and human rights.

The obvious impact will be the influx of a large than usual number of temporary workers, of which a significant number might become permanent residents in or around the licence area. The increase in the population in the area will impact on the local natural ecosystem (due to increased pressure and resource exploitation) like water abstraction, wood fuel and food availability, and the local physical and social infrastructure like schools and hospital services. This trend in population growth ultimately will also result in endemic of disease, especially those related to STDs such as HIV/AIDs; and also malaria in the area.

It is clear that family and community cohesion will be disrupted by new personal, social and commercial relationships brought about by this project. Changes to long‐standing terms of trade will be effected owing to increased competition (demand). This might bring about price escalation that will negatively impact the locals, particularly those not employed or earning sufficient income. Natural and human production systems come under stress due to increased population with effect that local demand for food and other consumables will increase.



During consultation with various stakeholders, a number of issues were raised and comment, contributions and concerns noted. These have been incorporated in this statement. The project is being welcomed by the local community as it is anticipated to contribute a great deal towards the development of the local area. Some of the expectations and anticipation include the contribution towards the development of services provided to the community such as education, health and infrastructures; and also job creation.

It was quite rightly pointed out that physical impacts brought about on most areas by small scale mining exists and gives a bad reputation to the mining industry. It is hoped and expected that this project will have less or no major physical environmental impact on the area. It is expected that the proponent has taken trouble to fairly compensate those who have given up or lost their land to the project.

Community involvement was another issue that was raised by stakeholders. Comments and suggestions were given that the project proponent should involve the surrounding community and engage them in a dialogue that will lead to a long‐lasting, fruitful relationship or partnership that would be beneficial to both parties. Availability of safe and clean water is also one of the outcries of the locals. It is anticipated that this new project would be able to contribute on countering this problem.

The proponent is urged to get involved in local community affairs such as tree planting exercise in the area. Trees are planted in order to provide for shading, fruits and firewood to the local community. In addition, it was suggested that the proponent give preference to locals on employment rather that employing migrant workers for unskilled labour.

During decommissioning and mine closure, potential impacts may include:

• loss of employment and possible market for local supplies. The proponent will consult the community in designing mine closure plan to identify alternative sources of employment.

• inadequate re‐settlement package to the few locals could result into disputes.

• Conflicts due to land use issues; e.g. Mining could destroy farm‐land, which even after restoration is not suitable for farming activities.

5.4. Evaluation of Alternatives

The choices of various alternatives are however limited due to the nature of the undertaking. The exploitation of mineral resources dictate that ores or deposits are mined as they are found and the processing to recover valuable mineral depends on the nature and composition of the ore. The type of deposit and processing method also dictates the



type of waste streams to be generated, thus the choice of disposing methods of these wastes. The mineral deposit in the area is a combination of both alluvial and primary ore.

5.4.1. Mining Method

The planned production capacity and the size of operation, and the choice of machinery also reflect the way stripping will be carried out. In the primary veins, which reach a thickness of 2‐4 metres, there is not much flexibility in mining the reefs. Initially, mining will be open‐cast to about 20‐30 metres deep. Thereafter, if economics allows, the reefs will be mined using underground method. However, after mining, care will be taken to fill‐back the open pits where possible.

5.4.2. Processing of Mineral Ore

There are few alternatives in sitting the plant, namely i) erecting the processing plant in one central ML, and hauling the ore from the various locations for processing; ii) erecting the plant near the primary reefs, and hauling alluvial gravels from the other licences;

Each alternative has some limitations and advantages over the others. Erecting the plant at the centre of the licence will involve selecting an area close to water sources, hence reducing water pumping over long distances. This however, will lead to designing long haul routes that will need to be wetted to reduce dust. This will also involve construction of roads hence increasing the likelihood of soil erosion to occur.

The second alternative of locating the processing plant close to the primary reef has the advantage of reducing hauling distance for the high probability of getting quick returns. However, this alternative will increase the chances of burying and rendering some ore. This is compensated if the reefs have more gem materials than the alluvial gravel. The converse is unfortunately more costly, with more negative impacts.

Finally, a combination of the various alternatives could be most feasible with appropriate optimization.

5.4.3. Energy Source

Diesel will be the main source of energy for the processing plant, earth moving equipment, generators and vehicles. The use of diesel contributes significantly on local impacts and has various potential impacts such as being a source of water and air pollution. On average, daily fuel consumption is estimated at between 1000 and 1800 litres, in addition to oils and lubricants. These will add to transportation and storage logistic costs and potential impacts.

Alternative to using diesel is the use of power from the nation grid supplied by the Utility Company‐TANESCO.



5.4.4. No Project alternative

The no alternative scenario entails the proponent to abandon developing mining operations in the license area. This alternative is not attractive in that, the former mining activities by artisan miners resulted in rapid physical degradation of the area with no contribution to the surrounding community in whatsoever form. The project will somehow restore these areas.

Another reason is the economic benefits associated with going ahead with the project. The gold deposits so far discovered and exploited by the artisan miners have far reaching economic benefits if properly managed. It is the proponent’s anticipation that there will be more economic benefits to the nation to continue with the project development than otherwise.

The current proposal has many advantages compared to the no project alternative in that it will contribute significantly to the socio‐economic well‐being of the surrounding community in provision of such services as health, education and provide employment opportunities to many local people. According to the anticipated mining plan, the areas that have already been degraded will be rehabilitated and brought to a condition that is acceptable for planned land use which is farming.

5.5. Detailed Potential Environmental and Socio‐Economic Impacts

The following tables summarise in detail the various potential impacts and their weights, and alternatives.

Table 5.2: Potential Impacts of the Project

Phase Activities Issues Potential Impact

Construction

Construction &

maintenance of haul roads.

Oil and fuel spillage Soil, surface and groundwater pollution

Running of machinery & vehicles

• Air pollution due to exhaust fumes • Noise pollution causing nuisance and health

hazards

Movement of vehicles & machinery

• Dust pollution causing visual impact and health hazard.

• Loss of soil structure due to compaction • Visual impact

Loading/unloading of construction soils


• Noise pollution causing nuisance and health hazards

Water usage Wastage & depletion of water resources

Ablation of top soil

• Loss & degradation of biota within soil structure.

• Accelerate erosion due to surface exposure. • Loss of aesthetics.




Mineral Excavation

Clearance of topsoil, overburden removal and excavation of gold ore

Striping of topsoil

• Air pollution resulting from dust, noise and noxious gases.

• Loss and/or degradation of biota within soil structure.

• Accelerated erosion • Visual impact due to presence

of workings and dust generation.

Oil and fuel spillage

Soil, surface and groundwater pollution

Running of machinery, equipment & vehicles

• Air pollution due to exhaust fumes


Digging and excavating gem‐paying gravel using heavy machinery & equipment


• Increase in safety risks due to presence of workings.

• Visual impact

Loading and haulage of topsoil, overburden and gold ore

Loading of materials

• Air pollution resulting from dust, noise and noxious gases.


• Increased safety risks to workers.

• Visual impact due to loading works and dust generated (impairing vision).

Oil and fuel spillage

Soil, surface and groundwater pollution

Transportation of materials

• Air pollution due to exhaust fumes


• Compaction of soils. • Dust pollution causing visual

impact and health hazard. • Visual impact.




Stockpiling of topsoil & Gem‐paying gravel

Stockpiling of topsoil. Stockpiling action & presence of topsoil.



• Visual impact due to stockpiled topsoil (increase in elevation).

• Dust and noise pollution. • Destruction of biota within the

area identified for stockpiling.

Stockpiling of gold bearing ore

Stockpiling & presence of stockpiled material


• Visual impact due to stockpiled ore (increase in elevation).

• Dust and noise pollution. • Destruction of biota within the

area identified for stockpiling.

Running of machinery & equipment.

Working of machines & spillage of oil and fuel.

• Air pollution (noise, dust & gases).

• Compaction of soils. Soil, surface and groundwater pollution

• Visual impact due to presence of machines.

Mineral Extraction.

Crushing and grinding of ore

Loading, hauling & tipping of ore.



• Visual impact due to presence of machines.

• Soil, surface and groundwater pollution.

Water usage • Potential for wastage and

misuse. • Potential for contamination.

Running of machinery & equipment.

Working of machines & spillage of oil and fuel within the washing plant premises.


• Compaction of soils. • Visual impact due to presence

of machines. • Soil, surface and groundwater

pollution.

Operation & maintenance of other project components.

Excavation of clear water pond

Creation of pond

• Loss and disruption of biotic life within the soils of the area.

• Increase in fine sediments and mud.

Presence of stagnant water

• Creation of temporary breeding habitat for mosquito vectors of disease.

• Creation of habitat for other organisms.

• Disturbance to natural flow regime within the area.

• Loss and change of biota.




Operation & maintenance of other project components.

Excavation of sludge pond

Creation of sludge pond

• Loss and disruption of biotic life within the soils of the area.

• Increase in fine sediments and mud.

• Disturbance to natural flow regime within the area.

Power generation

Running the generators

• Air pollution (noise & noxious gases).

• Increased running costs to project

Fuel and oil spillages • Soil, surface and groundwater

pollution

Workshop Maintenance & repair • Soil, surface & groundwater

pollution. • Air pollution due to noise

Use of site accommodation

Littering • Potential health hazard • Aesthetic & visual impact.

Sewage management • Contamination of surface and

groundwater. • Nuisance due to odour

Domestic waste • Nuisance due to odour. • Pollution of water bodies. • Attraction of vermin and pests.

Rehabilitation

Use of washed out gravel

Backfilling mined out areas

• Reduction in amount of & space for storage of washed out gravel.

• Reduction in visual impact. • Decreased health and safety

risks • Formation of proper base

foundation for reclamation.

Use of stockpiled topsoil

Backfilling mined out areas

• Reclamation and restoration of mined out areas to a state similar to original state.

• Replenishment of biota within the area.

• Recovery of soil structure integrity.

• Reduction of soil erosion due to wind and water after regeneration of biota.

• Reduction in visual impacts

Decommissioning & Mine closure

Decommissioning Demolition of infrastructure

• Loss of amenity due to waste generation.

• Reduction in visual impact. • Decreased health and safety

risks • Air pollution.




Decommissioning & Mine closure

Decommissioning Abandoned Infrastructure

• Visual impact. • Reduced land for other

economic activities. • May be put to positive uses,

e.g. schools etc.

Mine closure

Employment

• Loss of jobs. • Reduction in income to locals in

the area. • Increased social stress and

unrest. • Decreased employment

opportunities and competition.

Social –Economic

• Loss to business that depended on the mine.

• Decline to provision of services to the community.

• Loss to revenue for the locals, district council and government.

• Reclaimed and rehabilitated land used for other income generating activities, e.g. farming, and grazing.

Socio‐economic aspects

Employment

Lack of local qualified personnel and employing outside local area.

• Influx of workers from elsewhere

• Increase pressure on local resources

• Needs for areas to accommodate newcomers.

Use of Local workers and staff

• Reduction in accommodation needs

• Normal pressure on local resources

• Increased local economic power

• Increased competition for local human resources

Social responsibility

Influx of people as temporary workers

• Introduction of new diseases. • Risk of contracting STDs and

related diseases. Like HIV/AIDS. • Decreased health and safety

risks • Increased impact on available

resources & demand.

Interaction of people (locals & migrant workers)

• Disruption of family ties and cohesion

• Introduction of new ways of life (good & bad).

Healthy, Education, and Social services

• Increased pressure for demand of these services.

• Disruption of formal educational activities.

• Loss of access to basic public services.



5.6. Environmental Impact Ratings for the Project

The following table shows how each identified source of impact can have a direct or indirect influence and its likelihood of happening. In addition, the anticipated severity of the impact before and after mitigation is indicated.

Table 5.3: Impact Rating of the Project Potential

Environmental Impact

Source of Impact Direct or

indirect Likelihood Severity Extent

Rating Before

Mitigation Pollution by litter Improper management

of domestic waste Indirect Possible High Local High

Contamination or Pollution to Water

Improper management of hazardous waste Indirect Possible High Local High

Accidental spillage of hazardous substance Indirect Possible High Local High

Sewage Indirect Possible Low

Immediate area

Medium

Impact to Flora Disturbance during mining Direct Possible High Local High

Impact to Fauna Disturbance during mining Both Possible Medium Local Medium

Disturbance to Soils/Erosion

During mining and movement of machines Direct Probable High Local High

Noise Diesel driven generators, vehicle noise, sorting of ore in the washing plant, staff quarters

Direct Definite Low Immediate

area Low

Dust Vehicles and earthmoving equipment; ore handling

Direct Definite Medium Local Medium

Visual Impact Equipment, Plant Structures, Stockpiles, Trenches, Pits etc.

Direct Definite High Local High

Occupational Impacts

Noise and Dust Direct Definite Medium

Immediate area

Medium

Rehabilitation (Decommissioning & Mine Closure)

Excavated trenches, pits, waste dump, etc. Direct Definite High

Immediate area

High

Plant Structure, Camp structures Direct Definite High

Immediate area

High

Waste Direct Definite Medium

Immediate area

Medium

Roads and Tracks Direct Definite High Local High



6. MITIGATION OF IMPACTS

Having identified potential impacts in the previous chapter, in this chapter a summary is provided of measures to mitigate the identified potential adverse impacts which are considered to be of moderate to high significance.

6.1 Mitigation of Physical Environmental Impacts

Most of the physical environmental impacts identified earlier involve impacts that are direct and physical in nature. These include physical pollution (littering), contamination or pollution of water, noise and dust pollution, soil degradation and aesthetic impacts. These result from the choices of physical mine location and construction of operations (site selection); carrying out the operations (mining and processing) and decommissioning.

6.1.1 Site Specific Impacts

Most of the impacts associated with specific site selection for various activities such as location of accommodation and office blocks, plants and workshops on the licence area can be eliminated through proper management controls that include:

• Locating those sites close to existing tracks, preferably on already disturbed ground, and utilising existing infrastructure.

• Providing ablution facilities such as chemical toilets, French drains or pit system and ensuring that they are maintained in a hygienic and good working order.

• Ensuring that on site waste management facilities (such as waste containers or skips) are provided. No waste is to be buried on site and all waste generated must be transported to the nearest designated waste disposal site.

• Only uncontaminated, non‐hazardous combustible substances (e.g. wood, cardboards, paper and food scraps) if not needed for recycling, they may be burned on site.

• Ensuring that all surroundings within the licence area are kept in clean and neat conditions at all times and that windblown litter is cleared on a daily basis.

• Ensuring that fire extinguishers, first aid kits and any other relevant safety equipment are available.



6.1.2 Loss/Disturbance of Biodiversity and Land Degradation

To minimize loss of biodiversity and land degradation, the proponent will undertake the following measures:‐

• Ensure minimal vegetation clearance; • Stock pile top soil for future use and restoration of soil; • Carry out detailed soil analysis; • Restore disturbed areas; • Monitor movement of equipment; and • Rehabilitate waste dumps and plant vegetation on all the slopes.

6.1.3 Sediment Load

To reduce sediment load, the following will be undertaken:

• Backfilling of all excavations; • Planting of trees and grass; • Construction of run‐off prevention; and • Progressive rehabilitation of mined‐out areas.

6.1.4 Surface / Underground Water Pollution

To prevent accidental spillage from occurring causing water pollution and contamination, the following measures are recommended:

• Provision of and maintenance of adequate bounding (i.e. impervious concrete slabs, or plastic linings, drip trays, traps, sumps, etc.) where hazardous materials are stored and handled (e.g. at diesel generators and refuelling depots). Bounds will be adequately sized and capable of containing all the substances they are intended for. Bound walls will be constructed, for example around the bulk fuel tanks.

• Always bounded areas will be used when re‐fuelling or doing maintenance work on vehicles, machinery or equipment or when transferring hazardous materials from one container to another.

• Hazardous substances (hydrocarbons, etc.) will be stored in a well‐ventilated area, and behind lock and key.

• There will be installed sufficient fire fighting equipment at the campsites.

• Ensuring that all staff are adequately protected and educated about the safe and proper handling and disposal of hazardous substances.



• Used fuels, oils, hydraulic fluids, paints and solvents, and grease will be stored in drums or other suitable containers. It is essential that this waste type is segregated from general or domestic waste stream. These wastes shall be labelled, sealed and removed from the site to an appropriate disposal site or recycling facility.

• In the event of a hazardous spill, whether accidental, deliberate or through negligence; on site or during transportation of these substances to/from the site:

o Immediately implementing actions to stop or reduce and contain the spill,

o Reporting the spill to the site manager,

o Collecting contaminated soil, water and other material and dispose of at an appropriate site.

6.1.5 Air Pollution

Air pollution impacts may be effectively minimised through:

• Periodic wetting of the road surfaces, particularly in areas where a significant safety risk exists.

• Restriction of vehicle speeds on site.

• Effective dust extraction, particularly at ore transfer points on the washing plants.

• Limiting disturbance to soils by remaining on existing tracks within the licence area, thereby maintaining the integrity of the soil surface, and

• Provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) to all those employees potentially exposed to silica in dust through the provision of adequate face masks.

• Conducting regular maintenance of equipment to reduce emissions;

• Identifying and using fuels that have minimum emissions;

• Conducting blasting on specific days and time, limited blasting practices will be applied;

6.1.6 Waste Dumps and Other Infrastructure

Sites will be selected for the location of waste dumps, haul roads and other infrastructure such that those operations do not interfere with the natural drainage system. Waste dumps slopes will be stabilized and vegetations planted on them in order to prevent sediment runoff.



6.1.7 Noise and Vibrations

It is noted that noise levels generated by a source should not add more than 7 dB(A) to the ambient noise levels in an area. A distance of approximately 1 km is required during the day before the noise generated for instance by heavy moving equipment is dissipated sufficiently to meet the 7 dB(A) requirement. During the evening, however, a distance of approximately 4 to 6 km is required to achieve the same result. As such the following measures will be used in mitigating noise impacts:

• Installation of mufflers in all generators and ensuring that generators that operate the plant, are run during day time only. Smaller generators will be run for supplying lights for security and accommodation quarter during the night;

• Operating heavy earth moving machinery and carrying out mining operation during day time only;

• Operating the washing plant during day time.

• Requesting workers to keep noise levels in their quarters low at all times.

Destruction of property from vibrations e.g. due to blasting, will be mitigated by deploying limited blasting techniques and awareness to the community in the surrounding the area. Geophones will be used to monitor blasting intensity so as to ensure that blasting vibrations and noise levels are kept to acceptable thresholds.

6.1.8 Health and Safety Hazards

These can be avoided by providing personal protecting equipment, training and maintaining appropriate sign posts conspicuously.

6.2 Mitigation of Socio‐Economic Impacts

Socio‐economic impacts are complex, far reaching and full of or laden with perceptions. Due to this, effective communication between the proponent and the surrounding communities is the key if satisfactory mitigation measures are to be realistically achieved. It should be note however that, because of varying expectations of each stakeholder balancing these expectations is not an easy task.

Demographic differences and personal beliefs may be based on a range of culturally determined influences such as religious beliefs, ideology, lifestyle, expectations and so on. Similarly, preferred solutions to problems are also influenced by cultural beliefs and altruistic values.



From initial consultation with the stakeholders, the community had a view that their long term social problems, like lack of school, health facility and infrastructure will be eased by the project. The local government reflected the views of the community that the project will assist in solving some local problems. Conversely, the leaders at the district level had expectations that the project will bring more harm than good to the community.

The proponents are propagating that the project will assist and provide the local community with the basic social services they expect. With more knowledge and continued and constant consultations, it is believed that all stakeholders’ expectations will be achieved.

6.3 Measures to Mitigate Environmental and Socio‐Economic Impacts

The following table summarises in detail the measures to mitigate potential environmental and socio‐economic impacts due to the mining project.

Table 6.1: Mitigation Measures

Potential Impact Mitigation measures Rating of Impact After Mitigation

Litter

Provision of on‐site waste management facilities (such as waste containers)

Low

Strict control and periodic independent audits

Not tolerating illegal dumping and littering by staff within and outside licence area

Ensuring that the staff quarters, mine site and the surroundings are kept clean and neat at all times and that windblown litter is cleared on a daily basis.

Water Pollution (Management of

Hazardous Material)

Hazardous substances (hydrocarbons etc.) will be stored in a well‐ventilated area, and behind lock and key.

Low

Used oils, fuel, hydraulic fluids, paints and solvents, and grease will be stored in drums or other suitable containers. The drums will be labelled, sealed and removed from the site to an appropriate disposal site or re‐cycling facility.

Oil contaminated soils (e.g. From spillages etc.) will be collected, stored and removed for disposal at an appropriate waste storage facility.

Providing and maintaining adequate bounding where hazardous materials are stored and handled (iso 9002 compliant)

Ensuring that all staff are adequately protected and trained in the safe and proper handling and disposal of hazardous substances.




(Accidental Spillages)

Prohibiting smoking near refuelling depots or near any flammable substances.

Medium Installing sufficient fire fighting equipment available at the campsite.

Water Pollution (Sewage)

Providing ablution facilities such as chemical toilets, French drains or pit system. These facilities will be maintained in a hygienic and good working order.

Low

Impact to Flora

Avoiding destroying vegetation as much as possible.

Medium

Ensuring staff awareness so as to prevent the unwanted destruction of vegetation.

Prohibiting the use of vehicles off established and well used tracks within the licence area.

Ensuring topsoil and overburden is conserved and stockpiled separately for later rehabilitation of disturbed areas

Impact to Fauna

Applying strict disciplinary measures to staff caught trapping or attempting to trap wildlife.

Low

Adherence to rules with respect to littering in order to avoid/prevent attracting pest animals.

Enforcement of speed restriction on all mining haul roads to prevent accidents with animals.

Avoiding any damage to a 10m buffer zone from the edge of river banks.

Disturbance to Soils/Erosion

Prohibiting the use of vehicles off established and well used tracks within the licence area.

Medium

Finalisation of a detailed mining plan, showing areas to be mined and all proposed haulage routes, including possible new routes.

Enforcement of the mining plan and an audit of compliance to the finalised mining plan to reduce impact to soils to an absolute minimum.

Noise Ensuring adequate and regular maintenance of machinery and equipment.

Low

Dust

Restriction of vehicle speeds on site to less than 30 km/h

Low

Periodic wetting of the road surface, particularly in areas where a significant safety risks exists..

Effective dust extraction, particularly at ore transfer points on the washing plants.

Limiting disturbance to soils by remaining on existing tracks within the licence area, thereby maintaining the integrity of the soil surface.




Visual Impact

Ensuring adequate control of dust generated within the mining areas, including the haul roads and washing plant.

Medium

Adequate disposal methods for all waste types, including domestic waste, scrap metal, etc.

Reducing the visibility of structures, including water tanks, bulk fuel tanks, etc. by adequate sitting and painting with a non‐reflective paint that blends in with the surroundings.

Reducing the visibility of open trenches, pits and stockpiles through ongoing rehabilitation.

Sitting of plants and other structures out of the line of sight.

Promotion of a culture of awareness amongst all employees involved with mining on the visual impacts resulting from mining operations.

Occupational Impacts Provision of personal protective equipment (ppe) such as ear plugs and dust masks to limit employee exposure to dust and noise.

Medium

Rehabilitation (Excavations)

Ensuring that used pits and trenches are backfilled on a continuous basis. Waste materials will be backfilled into active trenches to ensure the surface area of excavated trenches is minimised.

Medium

Where topsoil is available, it will be spread evenly over areas requiring rehabilitation. Overburden and mud will be pre‐backfilled first.

Waste dumps if applicable will be contoured to fit in with the lie of the natural topography as much as possible.

Backfilled material will be compacted marginally (to prevent slumping) and contoured to follow the natural contours of the land.

Rehabilitation Closure and

Decommissioning (Plant Structure)

Removing all construction equipment, surplus material and temporary structures, fence and works of every kind.

Low

Salvaging and removing all structures, including all scrap and other plant structures and equipment.

Breaking‐up bounds and all other concrete slabs and removing these, together with all waste concrete, to a recognised waste dump.

Demolishing buildings that will no longer be used by the community, if applicable.




Rehabilitation (Wastes)

Ensuing oil spills are cleaned up immediately.

Low Ensuring contaminated soils are disposed of at an approved disposal site.

Ensuring all construction rubble (i.e. waste concrete) are removed from site.

Rehabilitation Closure and

Decommissioning (Roads & Tracks)

Ensuring the surface of used roads and tracks that are not in use anymore are broken up (scarified) to alleviate compaction and promote natural re‐vegetation.

Medium

Employment Employ locals as many as possible to reduce workers influx. Provide training to workers and locals so as to get qualified personnel.

Medium

Social Responsibility Involve the surrounding community prior to undertaking any social service project and any other works to reduce conflict and make them part of the partnership to that development

Low



7 ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

7.1 Monitoring Activities

It is necessary to put in place a plan which shall ensure that all mining activities in the licence areas are sustainable. A mini‐laboratory will be constructed at the site for water quality analysis on issues such as turbidity; total dissolved and suspended solids and coli forms and acidity or alkalinity levels. Dust monitoring stations will be established near the pit and at the processing plant to analyse the air quality and monitor particulate matter at the level PM10 .

Furthermore, monitoring of activities will include to:

• Monitor storage and transportation procedures and equipment;

• Monitor employees and contractors training to ensure that they are familiar with safe material handling and appropriate fist aid measures;

• Monitor risk of leakage fuel by checking the corrosion of tanks and other facilities;

• Monitor the possibility of acid rock drainage on waste dump;

• Monitoring the measures taken to protect plants and aquatic biological resources; and

• On the socio‐economic activities will be to monitor agriculture, livestock development and other economic activities in the area and their impact to the project.

• monitoring of complaints of any compensation issues and method used.,

• monitor health and safety of the workers (incident of diseases including HIV/AIDS and water access and use).

7.2 Resource Evaluation/ Cost Benefit Analysis

The cost benefit analysis should have contained financial analysis, economic analysis of the mining activities and extended cost benefit analysis for the proposed project. However, lack of information from aspects such as the feasibility study and quantity survey, list of units and costs of various materials that will be used in the mining construction and costs of other process activities, prices per head and overall operating costs, made it difficult to prepare a detailed cost benefit analysis in this statement. These



aspects of resource evaluation and financial analysis will be contained in the Feasibility Study Report.

7.2.1 Benefits Related to the Project

Several benefits will be attributed to the proposed development both at local and national levels in terms of revenue generation and stimulating local economic growth through employment and local purchase of goods and services. The project is going to give priority of employment to the local people for skilled and unskilled work.

At the national level, benefits will be accrued from increased government tax revenues from sales proceedings, increased balance of payments from foreign exchange earnings and employment generated from value‐added activities.

7.2.2 Costs Related to the Project

The costs related to the project include those of selection of equipment and spares based on the chosen technology and also considering the technology needs for future projects or further developments like underground mining and production selection of technologies will involve to a large extent possible use of local materials, service and labour force. Just as it is apparent that a project will have a poor economic base if inefficient technology is selected, on the other hand a project cannot be successful without cost consideration and adequate financing.

Other inherent costs due to the destruction of environment and opportunity costs from loss of farmland will be adequately compensated by the benefits from the revenues generated. In addition, the project will restore all land hence; farmland will only be temporarily lost.

7.3 Decommissioning

The company already has a rehabilitation plan which is a component of the closure plan. The rehabilitation plan identifies the activities and research required to address ongoing rehabilitation for exploration works.

Upon final implementation of the project, decommissioning of the project closure activities will be undertaken to ensure that the site is properly decommissioned and does not pose any ongoing risk to the environment and humans. All buildings/tents will be dismantled. Holes that were dug during exploration will be filled to form stable ground. All remains of plastic cables and wires will be collected and safely disposed at selected areas.

All water ponds will either be backfilled to required standards as provided for in the Mining (Environmental Management) and Mining (Occupational Health and Safety) Regulations, 1999 or left for used by the surrounding community. The proponent will



prepare a Mining Closure Plan involving consultation with all stakeholders aimed at providing better alternative livelihood to the local community following closure.

7.4 Detailed Summary of the Environmental Management Plan

The following table summarises in detail the proposed environmental management plan for the possible impacts identified from the proposed project. The total annual package of management measures is estimated to cost over TZS 198 million.

Table 7.1: Environmental Management Plan (EMP) General

Management Issue

Specific Management

Issue

Management Strategies, Actions & Measures

Responsibility & Implementation

Estimated Cost TZS/year

Solid

Waste M

anagem

ent

Waste Rock/Gravel

Provision of on‐site waste rock management facilities

Site Foreman 6,000,000

Send waste rock to backfilling areas that have been mined out, and ensure the sites are graded prior to introduction of topsoil.

Mine & Environmental foremen

4,000,000

Bund stockpiled waste rock to avoid displacement


Non‐Hazardous Wastes

Not tolerating illegal dumping and littering by staff within and outside licence area

Mine Manager & Site Supervisor 1,300,000

Only uncontaminated, non‐hazardous combustible substances may be burned on site.

Site Supervisor 1,700,000

Ensuring that the staff quarters, mine site and the surroundings are kept clean and neat condition at all times and that windblown litter is cleared on a daily basis.

Site Supervisor

4,000,000

Provision of on‐site waste management facilities (Such as waste containers)


Strict control and periodic independent audits

Mine Manager 5,000,000

Water and

Sew

age Man

agem

ent

Water intake facility

Constructing water intake facility on properly selected sites;


Conduct regular consultation with other users within the vicinity of the licence area and relative bodies.


Institute and implement water management plan and water quantity monitoring programme.


Water Pollution (spillages)

Institute and implement water quality monitoring programme


Ensure regular and proper maintenance of equipment and machinery.


Instigate proper bounding procedure for all facilities containing and used for storage of hydrocarbons and other chemicals.

Construction, Mine & Environmental Foremen

5,000,000

Water Pollution

Conduct hydrological study within areas earmarked for establishment of sewerage.




General Management

Issue

Specific Management

Issue




(Sewage) Institute and implement monitoring programme and ensure toilet facilities are kept in a hygienic order.

Site Foreman

1,500,000

Water pollution (general)

Assess current storm water drainage patterns and construct drainages that will isolate storm water from other water source.

Mine Manager

5,500,000

Prepare reports and disseminate information on water status (quantity & quality) to all stakeholders on a regular basis.

Mine Manager

1,500,000

Topsoil M

anagem

ent

Topsoil removal

Remove topsoil only on areas earmarked for stripping in the mining programme.

Site Supervisor or Manager 8,500,000

Use lightweight equipment in topsoil removal to minimise destruction of soil structure and biota.

Site Supervisor or Manager ‐

Avoid and minimise mixing topsoil with barren overburden

Site Foreman ‐

Topsoil stockpiling

Stockpile topsoil to heights not exceeding one metre to conserve the biota within.


Avoid stockpiling topsoil on slopes in order to minimise soil erosion.

Mine Manager

.Avoid compaction of stockpiled topsoil during and after stockpiling.

Site Supervisor

Topsoil backfilling

Ensure topsoil stockpiled first is sent back to backfilling

Mine & Environmental Foremen

5,000,000 During backfilling, lightweight vehicles/equipment should be used to minimise compaction of the topsoil.


Air Qua

lity Co

ntrol

Dust Ensure all roads are wetted on a frequent basis and vehicle speed is below 40 km/hr.


Instigate effective dust extraction methods, particularly at ore transfer points on the processing plants.

Site Supervisor

2,000,000

Limit disturbance to soils by remaining on existing tracks within the licence area.

Mine & Environmental Foremen (M&EF)

2,000,000

Implement dust monitoring programme for the site areas.

M&EF 2,000,000

Vegetating exposed and cleared surfaces/areas.

M&EF3,000,000

Implement regular employee health medical checkups, including pre‐ and post checks assessment for nose, throat and lungs.

Health Officer

2,000,000

Implementing good housekeeping practice in order to minimise accumulation of loose dust piles.

Site Supervisor

2,000,000

Emissions Ensure regular equipment maintenance to minimise emission.




General Management

Issue

Specific Management

Issue




Ensure all equipment needing stacking is properly stacked.


Instigate and implement emission controls and monitoring programme.

M&EF 3,000,000

Provide PPEs to employees and conduct training on their use.

Safety Officer 1,000,000

Implement regular employee health medical checkups, including pre‐ and post checks assessment for nose, throat and lungs.

Health Officer

2,000,000

Conduct mining and washing operations during daytime only.


Noise Gen

eration Co

ntrol

Noise Ensure regular equipment service to minimise noise generation.

Chief Mechanic 2,000,000

Provide PPEs to employees and conduct training on their use.

Safety Officer 1,000,000

Instigate and implement employee’s regular health medical checkups for hearing; including hearing checkups assessment prior to and after employment.

Health Officer

1,000,000

Implement noise monitoring programme for site areas.

Safety Officer & Environmental Foreman

400,000

Limiting hours of operation. (Operations during daytime only).

Site Supervisor 800,000

Adequate distances between mining and residential areas.


Locating haul roads a sufficient distance from residences and in such a way that there is as much screening from residences as possible.

Site Foreman

1,500,000

Locating plants a sufficient distance from residences.

Manager 1,500,000

Lining noise‐generating components and equipment with resilient material to dampen vibrating surfaces.

Chief Mechanic

3,000,000

Fitting effective mufflers to all items of equipment.

Chief Mechanic 2,000,000

Maintaining all roads in good condition to reduce vehicle noise.


Use of tree cover to muffle noise from site activities to reduce noise disturbances to areas outside the site. Planting trees on licence perimeter.

Mine & Environmental Foremen 1,000,000

Hazardo

us

Material

Man

agem

ent Storage and

Handling Implement proper storage and handling of hazardous materials, including requirements regarding the segregation of incompatible materials.

Site Supervisor r

5,000,000



General Management

Issue

Specific Management

Issue




Instigate and implement employee training programme, including the use of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

Site Supervisor & Safety Officer 2,000,000

Used oils, fuel, hydraulic fluids, paints and solvents, and grease should be stored in drums or other suitable containers and labelled, sealed and removed from the site to an appropriate disposal site or re‐cycling facility.

Chief Mechanic

3,000,000

Oil contaminated soils (e.g. from spillages etc.) must be collected, stored and removed for disposal at an appropriate waste storage facility


2,500,000

Constructing storage facilities that will contain the materials in all foreseen circumstances.

Construction Supervisor 5,000,000

Implement physical controls and procedural measures to ensure that no materials escape during normal and abnormal operations.

Safety Officer

1,500,000

Instigate emergency response plans in place to ensure immediate action should an accidental release occur.

Safety Officer

2,000,000

Instigate and keep adequate records and review them regularly so future environmental problems are anticipated and avoided.


500,000

Uses Ensure regular service of equipment using hydrocarbons to eliminate spills.


Minimise the use and/or generation of hazardous materials wastes.


Promote re‐use and recycling of materials whenever possible.

Mine Manager 400,000

Visua

l Impa

ct M

anagem

ent

Visual Impacts (Workers)

Minimise or eliminate dust generation to promote better vision for workers.

Site Supervisor or Manager

500,000

Reduce the visibility of structures by adequately sitting and painting with appropriate paints that are non‐reflective.

Site Supervisor or Manager

800,000

Implement physical controls and procedural measures to ensure that no unsightly situation is visible.

Construction & Environmental Foremen

500,000

Visual Impacts (Surrounding Community)

Use of tree cover to obscure the mining activities, structures and processing plants by planting trees around the perimeter of the MLA.

Site Foreman

500,000

Reduce the visibility of structures by adequately sitting and painting with appropriate paints that are non‐reflective.

Mine Manager

500,000

Decom

mission

ing

and

Closure Dismantling

of Site structures

Consultation with local community on alternative use of the site.

Mine Manager & Public Relation Officer

2,000,000



General Management

Issue

Specific Management

Issue




Dismantling and removal of all plants and structures that the community will no longer need.

Construction Supervisor 12,000,000

Removal of all earthmoving equipment Site Foreman 13,000,000

Site Clean‐up Filling of excavated sites and restoring of site to conform to the natural topography.

Environmental & mine Foremen 10,000,000

Planting of indigenous trees to prevent soil erosion and re‐seeding of natural grasses.

Environmental & mine Foremen 5,000,000

Subtotal 198,500,000



7.5 Detailed Social Monitoring Plan (SMP)

The table below outlines a detailed plan to monitor measures to mitigate social impacts. It is estimated that the social monitoring plan will cost around TZS 57 million per annum to maintain.

Table 7.2: Social monitoring Plan (SMP) General Monitoring Issue

Specific monitoring Issue

Strategies, Actions & Measures Responsibility & Implementation


Surrou

nding Co

mmun

ity Interaction

Displacement and security

Consults with the surrounding community and local authorities on any pending compensation and settlement issues.

Mine Manager & Public Relation Officer (PRO)

1,000,000

Review and monitor regularly the status of migration of people around the licence area.


2,000,000

Improve and support existing security status within the area in conjunction with the local community and authorities.


5,000,000

Pressure on resources

Consult, organise and conduct campaigns aimed at imparting knowledge as to the importance of conservation, effective and efficient use of resources.

Environmental & Public Relation Officer 5,000,000

Business opportunities

Establish community outreach programmes in consultation with the recipient and local authorities.


5,000,000

Provide assistance to surrounding local communities on way to start and keep up business ventures that are sustainable and non dependent to the mining activities in the area.

Mine Manager & Public Relation Officer 3,000,000

Employment Give priority of employment to local people where appropriate.

Mine Manager & PRO 4,000,000

Give and support on job training in order to improve workers ability.


Access to Services

Provide and assist in the provisions of health and education.

Mine Manager, Health Officer & PRO

20,000,000

Assist in providing the community access to safe and clean water.

Mine Manager, Health Officer & PRO

10,000,000

Subtotal 46,000,000



8 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

8.1 Conclusion

The company plans to engage villagers who will volunteer to be trained on how to monitor water quality as well as in tree planting campaigns. Indigenous tree nurseries will be established and trees will be offered to villages to plant in their areas as a part of tree planting campaigns.

The proponents aspire to contribute towards several socio – economic facilities that will be established in the surrounding area including health centre; school building and others that might be mooted by the surrounding community.

8.2 Recommendations

In order to ensure that mitigation measures are successful and impacts are minimized, the focus will be on ensuring operations follow the established procedures. Conduct training to all employees in environmental management, conservation norms and responsibilities and ensure that joint efforts are run collaboratively so that all personnel receive basic environmental awareness training and contingency plans are in place to deal swiftly with any potential negatively impacting incidents and incidences.

Should there be any operational changes likely to cause a significant shift to the assessment of impacts, this will be incorporated within the operational addendum. At this stage it is thought most likely that potential changes will be minor and that these will not significantly alter the impact assessment.

The Environmental Management Plan will be reviewed periodically and in accordance with the laws to ensure that all changes in the environment as a result of mining operations are adequately addressed.



BIBLIOGRAPHY

Agricultural and Livestock Policy, 1987

Beekeeping Act, 2002

Environmental Management Act, 2004

Explosives Act, 1963

Land Act, 1999

Local Government (District and Urban Authorities) Act, 1982

Mineral Policy, 1996

Mining Act, 1998

National Beekeeping Policy, 1998

National Environmental Policy, 1997

National Forestry Policy, 1998

National Health Policy, 1990

National Human Settlement Development Policy, 2000

National lands Policy, 1995

National Tourism Policy, 1999

National Water Policy, 2002

Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) Act, 2005

Village Land Act, 1999

Water Act, 1981

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