By Alfred Zacharia
The government, through the National Environment Management Council (NEMC), has warned about the risk of environmental damage if gold mining activities continue in certain areas, especially along the Zila River in Chunya District, Mbeya Region.
The warning comes after a dispute between residents of Chunya and G & I Tech Mining Company Ltd, which operates in the area.
Villagers from Ifumbo are concerned that mining during the rainy season could harm the river, which is their main source of water.
In response, the Minister of Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, has suspended gold mining activities along the Zila River during the rainy season.
He has also formed a committee to investigate the environmental impacts of mining in the area.
The government emphasized the importance of protecting the river to ensure it continues to serve the community.