SSM in Tanzania can be characterized as mining operations which are labour intensive in which operators with informal technical knowledge of mining and mineral processing and with little capital, embark in mining with simple tools like picks, shovels, and pans. Consequent to this, their operations are coupled with:
- Lack of systematic exploration process which would otherwise lead to resource valuation and estimation of mineable reserves;
- Wastage of minerals due to use of poor mining and processing technologies;
- Poor planning and management of mining process that results in haphazard disposal of mine waste and tailings;
- Poor and unsafe handling of mineral processing chemicals such as mercury and sodium cyanide;
- Lack of mine closure plans which leads to scattered and unprotected abandoned pits and workings; of mined out and un-reclaimed pits;
- Continual shifting from one site to another coupled with deforestation and environmental degradation;
- Working in both licensed and unlicensed areas; and
- Selective mining of high grade mineralized zones to shallow depths () veins, and alluvial mining.
- http://www.mem.go.tz/small-scale-mining-in-tanzania
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