Miners told to prepare for El Niño

GEITA: THE government has directed small-scale miners in Geita Region to backfill all non-productive mining pits to prevent the impacts of El Niño rains.

Deputy Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office, Union and Environment, Mr Reuben Kwagilwa, issued the directive recently when he visited Msasa Mine in Bukombe District, Geita Region.

He said backfilling abandoned pits would help to prevent accidents and environmental damage once the rains begin.

“The most important thing is to continue backfilling all the pits that you have established and are no longer productive. They should not be left open because they are dangerous,” Mr Kwagilwa said.

He also called on mine management, in collaboration with the government, to strengthen drainage systems at small-scale mining sites.