DAR ES SALAAM: Tanzania is intensifying efforts to reduce usage and exposure of mercury — a toxic substance which is mainly used by Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) but blamed for its growing health and environmental risks.
Eng. Cyprian Luhemeja, Permanent Secretary in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment) told the African Regional Dialogue on Mercury and E-Waste Pollution Management in Dar es Salaam on Monday that the government is implementing several interventions to reduce exposure to mercury.
The dialogue organized by the World Bank brought together national environmental watchdog groups from Ghana, Senegal, Zambia, Kenya and the host Tanzania.
“We have embarked on serious environmental conservation,” he said “The government has ratified Minamata Conversion on Mercury and is committed to actively reduce mercury pollution.”
Official figures show at least 1.2 million people engage in ASGM activities in Tanzania consuming between 18 and 25 tonnes of mercury annually. In addition, 7.2 million others depend indirectly on such activities for their livelihood.
The state says it has set comprehensive policy, registration and other measures to address the risk that continues to escalate.
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The five-year National Action Plan (NAP) for Artisanal and Small Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) target to reduce the use of mercury in the ASGM sub-sector by 30 percent and enhance public awareness by 2025.
It also aims to develop and implement a public health strategy for preventing and mitigating mercury exposure to ASGM communities by 2025.
World Bank representative, Makiko Watanabe told delegates that mercury and chemical pollution causes serious health problems.
“Pollution is a leading cause of death in low income countries,” she said, detailing that one out of four deaths is attributed to environmental risks, particularly pollution.
The largest source of mercury contamination is the ASGM, producing 38 per cent to the total global mercury emission. “This program provides an excellent opportunity to start tackling the challenge of the knowledge, policy and technology front including those related to illegal and illicit trade of mercury in the region,” she noted.
Experts suggest that mercury is highly toxic to humans, animals and the environment. Over 20 million miners including women and children working in ASGM in eight countries are affected.
Meanwhile, National Environmental Management Council (NEMC) Director General Dr Immaculate Sware Semesi called on stakeholders to work together to create a healthy environment.
According to Dr. Semesi, the Council has been working hand in hand with state and non state actors to address the impact of mercury use and exposure especially among ASGM.
