GOLD mining activities along Zila River have been suspended until environmental experts confirm whether the activities are safe for water users relying on that river in Chunya District, Mbeya Region.

Anthony Mavunde, the Minerals minister, issued this order lately, halting operations conducted by G & I Tech Mining Co. applicable during the ongoing rainy season.

Earlier, the minister visited the mining license area around Ifumbo Village, encroached upon by local residents thus leading to a conflict. This resulted in the destruction of the company's property, he said in his remarks.

Having visited the village and the mining site and taking note of the actual environmental situation, the minister demanded time to look at the situation to see how economic activities, including mining, are carried out peacefully without causing conflicts.

Such activities should not cause harm to the environment within its location, he stated, affirming that he had listened to the concerns of the residents regarding the environmental damage.

The government would form a team of experts to conduct a comprehensive environmental assessment on the potential impacts of the mining activities, he said.

All mining activities should be halted during the rainy season, as directed by the National Environment Management Council (NEMC), he specified.

The regional environmental unit, local authorities and the community were consulting to form a joint team to conduct an evaluation of the situation.

The team is expected to provide an assessment on whether mining activities could be pursued in ways that do not cause harm to the Zila River environment, he said.

"I would like to take this opportunity to urge all residents to refrain from acts of violence and taking the law into their own hands,” he said, objecting to invading and destroying the investor’s property.

Mbarak Batenga, the district commissioner, had earlier expressed satisfaction for the minister’s visit, in expectation that it would provide a lasting solution to the conflict between the investor and the village residents.

The district authorities would see to it that the directive is complied with, to ensure the safety of the area at all times, he said, while .Chunya MP Masache Kasaka hailed the government for addressing the challenges.

The residents’ request was focused on the preservation of the Zila River environment as a vital water source for the district, he stated.

Juma Homera, the regional commissioner, appreciated the minister’s efforts to sort out the problem in the area, pledging to oversee the implementation of the directive, thus mining activities near the banks of the river would remain suspended during the rainy season.