Mine closed as one dies, many are hurt

DEUS NGOWI in Manyara

THE Government has shut down a tanzanite mine at Mirerani as confusion looms due to overlapping that has been occurring underground, culminating in deaths and injuries to miners.

The decision was announced here yesterday, two days after a small miner with Gem & Rock Venture Company was declared dead after being tear-gas bombed by security guards of Tanzanite One Company, and several others were injured.

Speaking at the site, the Northern Zone Mines Officer, Mr Adam Rashid, said after the incident was reported, his office went over to the site for investigations, but suspended mining activities in the interim, pending establishment of the source of problems.

Miners from the closed mine are said to have trespassed into Tanzanite One mine,triggering off a confrontation. In a bid to push back the alleged trespassers, Tanzanite One guards used tear gas, leading to lack of enough oxygen.

Firearms were reportedly used as well. The deceased was identified as Mr Nembris Mbatia, a worker of Gem & Rock Venture Company whose mine is situated at Plot B, owned by Sammy Mollel.

Mr Rashid was flanked by a team of mine experts who were engaged in scrutinising the matter. Mr Rashid said the team would come up with answers to questions such as in which area the overlapping occurred, and legal action would be taken against those who would be deemed to have contravened the set laws and regulations.

“No activities should be conducted in the area until we establish the reasons behind the overlapping and the ensuing confrontation. We will take action against the culprits. A miner has lost his life here and that is a serious thing,” said Mr Rashid.

Conflicts emanating from boundaries of different mines have been escalating for several years now and with the passage of time, the situation worsens. Several teams of experts have periodically stressed that miners should confine themselves to their specific mines.

Guards have reportedly been using excessive force to block small miners from encroaching on their mines. Since May this year, several confrontations have erupted in the mining zones.

The Manyara Regional Police Commander, Mr Francis Jacob, confirmed that the mine at the centre of the latest fracas was closed pending investigations by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals.