Abstract

Gold Mining Sector in Tanzania has been experiencing conflicts between mining investors and host communities. As a result, in 2017 the Parliament enacted a series of mining reforms aimed at mitigating both economic and environmental conflicts. This study investigated the impact of these new mining legislations in mitigating mineral conflicts between Geita Gold Mine Limited (GGML) and adjacent communities. Data were collected through questionnaire, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and documentary review. Findings from the study indicates that before the new law enactment the mineral conflicts were higher compared to the period after enactment as a result of frequent negotiations between the conflicting parties. Despite the progress made so far, low involvement of the community in major decisions affecting their livelihoods, delayed payments, unfair compensation, inadequate environmental education, unfulfilled promises, and unequal benefits sharing remain to be the major challenges worth addressing. We recommend involvement of communities in major decisions through their representatives, enhancement transparency, timely payment of compensations and increased socio-economic support to adjacent communities.

Key Words:Mineral conflicts, Mining Reforms, Conflict Mitigation, Small and Medium Miners and Corporate Social Responsibility