Tanzania's mining minister has mandated Acacia Mining Plc to cease wastewater contamination at its North Mara gold mine by March 30, warning of potential closure if the directive is not met. The order comes amid allegations of toxic water seepage from the mine's waste storage facility affecting nearby communities in northern Tanzania.
Minister Doto Biteko, who assumed office in January with a mandate to enforce stricter oversight of the country's mineral resources, emphasized the priority of public health over mining operations. 'The life of even one Tanzanian is worth more than their gold mining activities,' he stated, according to Reuters.
Acacia Mining Tanzania has not yet issued a public response to the directive. The North Mara mine, operational since 2002, has produced over 2 million ounces of gold and processes approximately 8,000 tonnes of ore daily. The facility has faced longstanding environmental accusations, which the company has previously denied.
Biteko announced follow-up inspections on March 30 to verify compliance, threatening 'stern measures' if unresolved issues persist. The pressure on Acacia follows Tanzania's 2015 policy shift under President John Magufuli, who prioritized greater control over natural resources and curbed mineral exports.
The London-listed miner's other Tanzanian operations, including the Bulyanhulu and Buzwagi mines, have also faced disruptions due to export restrictions on gold and copper concentrates.
