BabuK
JF-Expert Member
- Jul 30, 2008
- 1,845
- 329
Energy and Minerals deputy minister Stephen Masele has instructed licensed mining companies and individuals to obtain permits from respective authorities, including local authorities, before undertaking mining activities.
According to the Deputy Minister, seeking permits would help in reducing unnecessary conflicts with communities surrounding mining sites and government agencies like National Environment Management Council (NEMC).
He gave the instruction in Parliament yesterday when responding to a supplementary question posed by Kasulu-Urban MP Moses Machali.
The legislator had requested the government to state efforts being made to deal with unnecessary conflicts involving authorities charged with overseeing mining activities as well as surrounding communities.
Machali made a specific reference to Limes Mining Site in Kasulu district.
In response, the Deputy Minister said making sure that operators adhere to established procedures as per Section 99 of the Mining Act, which requires miners to obtain permits, was amongst measures being taken to address the problem.
He explained thats done to avoid conflicts, especially when mining activities will directly or indirectly affect other sectors or the environment. Companies engaging in mining activities without permits violate mining regulations and laws of the land, stressed Masele.
The Deputy Minister urged individuals and companies wishing to engage in mining activities at Limes Mining Site to stop rushing straight to the site before obtaining permits from local authorities and the ministry.
Meanwhile, Masele expressed government committed to support small scale-miners in the country through provision of equipment and training.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
According to the Deputy Minister, seeking permits would help in reducing unnecessary conflicts with communities surrounding mining sites and government agencies like National Environment Management Council (NEMC).
He gave the instruction in Parliament yesterday when responding to a supplementary question posed by Kasulu-Urban MP Moses Machali.
The legislator had requested the government to state efforts being made to deal with unnecessary conflicts involving authorities charged with overseeing mining activities as well as surrounding communities.
Machali made a specific reference to Limes Mining Site in Kasulu district.
In response, the Deputy Minister said making sure that operators adhere to established procedures as per Section 99 of the Mining Act, which requires miners to obtain permits, was amongst measures being taken to address the problem.
He explained thats done to avoid conflicts, especially when mining activities will directly or indirectly affect other sectors or the environment. Companies engaging in mining activities without permits violate mining regulations and laws of the land, stressed Masele.
The Deputy Minister urged individuals and companies wishing to engage in mining activities at Limes Mining Site to stop rushing straight to the site before obtaining permits from local authorities and the ministry.
Meanwhile, Masele expressed government committed to support small scale-miners in the country through provision of equipment and training.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
