The Executive Director of NEMA Barirega Akankwasah, PhD has proposed new guidelines for Pozzolana miners in Kabarole District to address environmental and social impacts.
1. Immediate Halt: Mining in Kyakaigo and Rwengazu villages must stop until impact and mitigation measures are assessed.
2. New Applications: Miners must submit new Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) applications and acquire new mining certificates as per the National Environmental Act, Cap 181, Physical Planning (Amendment), 2020, and the Mining Act, 2022.
3. Noise and Dust Control: Noise and dust levels will be measured according to the standards in the National Environment Act, Cap 181.
4. Advanced Technology: Miners should incorporate new mining technologies such as wet drilling and blusters.
5. Rehabilitation: Mined areas must be rehabilitated and restored.
6. ESG Policies: Stakeholders should integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into their policies, with a focus on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
These measures aim to ensure a balanced sustainable Pozzolana mining with the need to protect the environment and support the tourism sector.