TEEA seeks closer ties with authorities to ensure mining activities adhere to environmental rules

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DODOMA: THE Tanzania Environmental Experts Association (TEEA) has called for closer collaboration with the Ministry of Minerals to ensure that all exploration, mining, and mineral processing activities in the country are conducted in line with environmental conservation and sustainable development principles.

The request was made on April 1, 2026, at the Ministry of Minerals’ offices in Mtumba, where TEEA leadership held a meeting with several ministry officials to discuss the best ways to cooperate in addressing environmental challenges.

During the meeting, TEEA leaders identified major contributors to environmental degradation, including pollution of water sources, land destruction caused by uncontrolled mining, illegal logging, and the use of hazardous chemicals such as mercury in small-scale mining operations.

Speaking at the meeting, TEEA Chairman, Eng. Emmanuel Hanai, said the collaboration would provide ministry staff with opportunities to enhance their understanding, knowledge, and skills on best environmental conservation practices, while also strengthening the implementation of environmental policies and guidelines.

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Hanai added that since its establishment in 2017, TEEA has been working closely with the National Environmental Management Council (NEMC) and other government and non-government institutions to promote and oversee environmental conservation in the country.

“By adhering to high environmental standards, we can increase the value of our minerals and attract more investment, enabling this sector to contribute between 50 and 100 million US dollars annually,” Hanai stated.

On his part, Acting Commissioner of Minerals, Eng. Elias Kayandabila, commended TEEA for the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward improving the efficiency of ministry staff, particularly those directly handling environmental matters.