Joseph Isangura
The Tanzanian Government Chemist Laboratory Authority (GCLA) has launched a national public awareness campaign aimed at promoting the safe handling and transportation of cyanide, a chemical essential for gold processing, but which poses significant risks to human health and the environment if mishandled.
The campaign, officially launched on November 6, 2024, in Mbezi Mwisho, Dar es Salaam, seeks to educate communities living near key transportation routes on the potential hazards of cyanide. The chemical is used to separate gold from rock and soil through a mechanical and electrochemical process, but it requires strict safety protocols due to its toxicity.
Speaking at the campaign launch, GCLA chemist Derick Masako outlined the importance of raising awareness about cyanide’s dangers, particularly for those in regions surrounding gold mining areas, where cyanide is most commonly used. The initiative will span several months, focusing on towns and villages along the primary transportation routes from Dar es Salaam to Tanzania’s mining regions, such as Geita, Shinyanga, and Mwanza.
“The main objective of this campaign is to inform and educate people living near these routes,” Masako stated. “This chemical can be highly dangerous if it mixes with water, as it produces a toxic gas capable of causing rapid fatalities. We want to equip residents with the knowledge to stay safe.”
Masako explained that cyanide, specifically sodium cyanide, has been imported and used in Tanzania since 1998. Over the years, authorities have developed protocols for its secure handling and movement, but the risks associated with accidental spills or mishandling require continuous vigilance. The GCLA plans to collaborate with transportation companies, local governments, and emergency response teams to bolster safety measures.
The campaign will cover essential topics, including identifying potential hazards, understanding the correct emergency response, and knowing the best practices for avoiding exposure. Masako emphasized the importance of communities knowing what actions to take if they witness an accident involving cyanide transport vehicles.
“We are urging people to keep their distance from any accidents involving cyanide,” he advised. “Inhaling fumes or coming into contact with spills can have immediate and severe effects.”
Masako also highlighted GCLA’s protocols for ensuring safety standards are upheld. He noted that vehicles transporting cyanide are required to have special containment features, emergency spill kits, and clear signage warning of the dangers. Additionally, drivers and personnel handling cyanide are trained in chemical safety and emergency response.
Community members attending the campaign launch expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that increased awareness will help them feel more secure as cyanide transports pass through their regions. However, they requested additional safety infrastructure, such as emergency shelters and alert systems, to respond more effectively in the event of accidents.
The GCLA’s campaign reflects a growing awareness of environmental and public health issues in Tanzania as the country works to strengthen its mining sector’s safety practices.
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The Tanzanian government is committed to mitigating the environmental impact of mining activities and is encouraging mining companies to adhere to strict environmental protocols.
The campaign’s impact will be assessed through surveys and feedback from community leaders, with results to be published in early 2025. Through this initiative, Tanzanian authorities hope to build a foundation of knowledge and safety for all stakeholders, contributing to a safer environment around mining activities.
