The Tanzania Environmental Experts Association (TEEA) has called for closer collaboration with the Ministry of Minerals to strengthen environmental protection in mining activities across the country.
The request was made on April 1, 2026, during a meeting held at the ministry’s offices in Mtumba, Dodoma, where leaders of the association met with ministry officials to discuss ways to jointly address environmental challenges associated with mining operations.
During the meeting, TEEA leaders pointed out that several mining-related practices continue to pose risks to the environment.
Among the major concerns raised were pollution of water sources, land degradation caused by unregulated mining, uncontrolled tree cutting and the use of hazardous chemicals such as mercury in small-scale mining activities.
TEEA chairperson, engineer Emmanuel Hanai, said stronger cooperation between the association and the Ministry of Minerals would help build the capacity of government officials in handling environmental matters in the mining sector.
He said such collaboration would also help strengthen the implementation of environmental policies and guidelines, ensuring mining activities are conducted in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Mr Hanai noted that since its establishment in 2017, TEEA has been working closely with the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) and other government and non-government institutions to promote environmental conservation across the country.
He said adherence to environmental standards can increase the value of Tanzania’s mineral resources while attracting more responsible investors to the sector.
“By observing proper environmental standards, we can add value to our minerals and attract more investment, enabling the sector to generate between $50 million and $100 million annually,” he said.
Acting Commissioner for Minerals, engineer Elias Kayandabila, welcomed the proposal, describing it as a timely initiative that would help strengthen the capacity of ministry staff, particularly those directly involved in environmental management in the mining sector.
He said collaboration with professional institutions such as TEEA is important in ensuring that mining development goes hand in hand with environmental protection.
The proposed partnership is expected to support improved environmental oversight in the mining industry while promoting sustainable use of mineral resources for the benefit of both current and future generations.
