THE government has pledged to phase out mercury use in the mining sector by 2030 in a move to enhance public health and environmental sustainability.

Cyprian Luhemeja, the Union and Environment permanent secretary in the Vice President’s Office (VPO) made this affirmation in Dar es Salaam yesterday, opening a four-day international conference on mercury alternatives.

The conference has brought together representatives from 12 countries to explore mercury-free alternative technologies for small-scale gold mining, where the ministerial executive explained the need to educate small-scale miners on safer technologies.

“The government aims to educate small-scale miners on alternative technologies to phase out mercury use by 2030,” he said, highlighting that countries such as Ghana have successfully eliminated mercury by adopting alternative methods, providing a model for current efforts.

The severe health and environmental risks posed by mercury, as it can contaminate soil and the wider ecosystem, constitutes a massive impact on human health and even for wildlife, he said.

The government is implementing a large-scale project across nine regions to train miners in safer practices, with a new training centre in Msalala, Shinyanga Region, set up to focus specifically on teaching small-scale miners on using mercury alternatives, he said.

Dr Immaculate Semesi, the National Environmental Management Council (NEMC), director general, said that the conference was intended to impart skills from successful mercury-free practices in other countries.

Serious health risks and ecological damage are associated with mercury as it can persist in water, soil and living organisms, she said, stressing that Tanzania can fully eliminate mercury in mining, following the examples set by other nations.

.“Through this meeting, we aim to gather knowledge and share alternative technologies so that the goal is attained by 2030,” she said, pointing out that the Global Environment Fund (GEF) is supporting Tanzania and five other African countries to eradicate mercury use in gold mining. International collaboration is necessary for achieving these goals, she stated.

Commitment to phasing out mercury is an important step toward sustainable mining practices, aligning with global efforts to protect the environment and promote public health, she further noted.

Delegates from Zambia, Kenya, Senegal, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Australia, Germany, the United States and Colombia are also participating, to exchange knowledge and best practices in mercury-free mining.