The National Mine Closure Committee has begun a comprehensive review of the proposed closure plan for the Bulyanhulu Gold Mine, marking a key step in ensuring that one of Tanzania's largest gold mining operations complies with legal and environmental obligations before the end of its mining life.
The technical review, held in Msalala District, Kahama, brought together experts from government institutions, regulators and academia to assess whether the plan complies with the Mining Act (Chapter 123), the Mining (Safety, Occupational Health and Environmental Protection) Regulations, 2010, and the 2019 Mine Closure Guidelines.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Vice President's Office, the Ministry of Minerals, the Ministry of Water, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, the National Environment Management Council (NEMC), the National Land Use Planning Commission, the University of Dar es Salaam, the Mining Commission, as well as regional and district authorities from Shinyanga and Kahama.
Speaking during the session, National Mine Closure Committee Chairperson Engineer Hamisi Kamando said Tanzanian law requires all medium and large-scale mining companies to prepare mine closure plans and submit them to the Chief Inspector of Mines for technical assessment before they can be approved.
He said the committee's role is to ensure closure plans provide practical measures for environmental rehabilitation, public safety and the long-term protection of communities living around mining areas once extraction activities come to an end.
"A mine closure plan is a legal requirement designed to ensure that mining sites are restored to an acceptable condition after operations cease," he said.
Bulyanhulu Gold Mine Community Relations Manager Agapith Paul welcomed the committee's observations, saying the recommendations would help improve the quality of the mine's closure strategy.
He said the company remains committed to working closely with regulators and implementing all recommendations to ensure the closure process meets national standards while protecting the interests of surrounding communities and the environment.
Shinyanga Regional Administrative Secretary Salum Rashid Hamduni said the mining sector continues to play an important role in the region's economy by creating employment opportunities, supporting local suppliers and contractors, and contributing to regional development.
He said the regional administration would continue cooperating with Bulyanhulu Gold Mine and relevant authorities to ensure mining activities, including eventual mine closure, are carried out in a manner that safeguards public interests and supports sustainable development.
