Promoting environmental sustainability in the artisanal and small-scale mining sector in Tanzania

Abstract

This study examines the interaction between formalization of the artisanal and small-scale mining subsector and the regulation of negative environmental impacts in Tanzania. Formalization generally seeks to move the artisanal and small-scale mining subsector to legal status. Using documents, reviews, and interviews with key informants, the study suggests that there is generally no automatic connection between formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining and improvement of environmental protection in Tanzania. The reasons behind this situation include lack of funding, limited capacity, poor coordination, the nomadic nature of artisanal and small-scale mining operations, and using formalization as a revenue-increasing tool. To address this situation, we propose the formation of a well-funded umbrella body that only deals with the artisanal and small-scale mining subsector and formulation of an artisanal and small-scale mining-specific legal framework that delineates responsibilities of different artisanal and small-scale mining regulatory agencies to avoid overlaps and gaps. Moreover, the capacity of artisanal and small-scale mining associations should be strengthened to enable them to promote environmentally sustainable practices and engage meaningfully in stakeholder consultation meetings.