Shaft collapse raises safety concerns in Geita mines

GEITA: THE collapse of four mining shafts at Msasa Mine in Bukombe District, Geita Region, has raised concerns over safety standards in small-scale mining after the incident disrupted operations and prompted a costly emergency response.

Authorities have spent approximately 1.371bn/- on rescue operations, site stabilisation and safety measures since the collapse on March 29, 2026, according to the Mining Officer for Mbogwe Mining Region, Mr Joseph Mrimi. Mr Mrimi told the Geita Regional Security Committee during a meeting in Runzewe that the incident affected mining activities at the site, although no fatalities have been reported so far.

He said the funds have been directed towards safety assessments, securing the area and restoring damaged infrastructure to prevent further risk.

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Geita Regional Police Commander, SACP Safia Jongo, said the mine had initially been closed on March 20, 2026, to allow for a risk assessment, before four shafts later collapsed on March 29. She said the mine is expected to reopen on April 25, 2026, subject to clearance by inspectors from the Directorate of Mine and Environmental Inspection under the Mining Commission.

Geita Regional Commissioner, Mr Martine Shigela, called on small-scale miners to strictly observe safety procedures and comply with inspection directives to reduce the risk of similar incidents.

He warned that failure to follow safety guidelines continues to expose miners to preventable dangers, particularly in areas prone to pit collapses. Mr Shigela also cautioned against the spread of misinformation, noting that unverified reports can trigger unnecessary tension within mining communities.