Mining activity in the Mara River Basin impacts the soil, water, and people. Gold is the most valuable and predominant mining focus and gold mining processes involve toxic chemicals in both the small- and large-scale operations. If you were following the news about the Colorado mining waste spill in 2015 (the Animas River) you are familiar with the health and environmental risks of such chemicals. The SELVA team traveled to the most active mining area in the Lower Mara River Basin, in Tarime District, Tanzania. We interviewed local people about small-scale mining practices, and spoke with officials about some of the education given regarding exposure to the mercury used to “fix” the gold from the sediments and water. We also spoke with locals about the major mining operation that overshadows the village. We saw women, children, and men mining. There were some larger operations where groups of people form collectives, working together. There are also Tanzanian and foreign owned larger mining operations in the valley.
Local boys breaking rocks in preparation of gold processing near Mara River, Tanzania. Jennifer Veilleux © 2016.
The North Mara Mine is located very near to the river, and uses river resources for processing. North Mara Mine has various names, is owned by Barrick Gold Coporation – a multinational corporation out of Toronto, Canada and largest gold mining company in the world. The mine and the locals are in continuous conflict over resources, as well as conflict over compensation for land, housing, and water. North Mara Mines has been operating in the area since the 1990s under contract with the Tanzanian government, and provides a percentage of profit to the local district – meant to be reinvested in the local community infrastructure and services. When SELVA traveled to the region, we found the roads in the worst shape we’d experienced in Tanzania, and locals reported that wells sunk by the mining company were not functioning – and there was no recourse available. Locals are left with sourcing their water from the river and tributaries, much of which they say is contaminated with mining waste. Reports of cattle dying or losing babies because of water contamination, periodic releases of acidic mine waste from an enormous holding pond, inability to grow enough food in the contaminated soil, and not having ability to seek any audience with the company were pervasive with locals we spoke with.
Tailing pile from gold mining at North Mara Mines, Tarime District, Tanzania.
Jennifer Veilleux © 2016.
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