An assessment of the effectiveness of environmental impact assessment (EIA) in guiding large scale gold mines operations in Tanzania

Abstract

This research aimed at assessing the effectiveness of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in guiding large scale gold mines operations in Tanzania. More specifically to review Environmental Management Act 2004 and Environmental Impact Assessment and Audit Regulation, 2005 mandate in enforcing EIA, to determine the level of implementation of EIA recommendations in guiding large scale gold mines operations, factors hindering effective implementation of EIA recommendations in guiding large scale gold mines operations and lastly strategies for effective implementation of EIA recommendations in guiding large scale gold mines operations. Data about the study were collected through questionnaires and were supplemented by site visit and literature review. The findings revealed that implementation of EIA recommendations during mineral ore exploration stage, operation stage and closure period is ineffective. However, the implementation of EIA recommendations in guiding large scale gold mines operations during planning and construction stage was effective. It is recommended that, the EIA recommendations should focus on all phases of large scale gold mines operations, EIA reports should have well prepared and detailed Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and National Environmental Management Council (NEMC) has to strengthen follow up by increasing the number of environmental audits carried out within large scale gold mines industries in Tanzania