Kabale Authorities Mandate Dust Control for Iron Ore Crushers Amid Health Concerns

Residents in Kabale are raising alarms over the health impacts of dust generated by iron ore crushing operations, prompting local authorities to intervene. The District Resident Commissioner, Maj. Godfrey Katamba, has directed iron ore processors to adopt methods like wet crushing to significantly reduce dust pollution. This move comes after community members in Kamuganguzi Sub-county voiced concerns about respiratory issues and other health hazards linked to airborne particles from mining equipment.

Maj. Katamba, who also heads the district security committee, has tasked the Kabale district natural resources department to ensure all investors implement stringent pollution control mechanisms. “We would have closed all those equipment causing dust pollution in the district but because of the importance of the mineral sector to our economy we are persuading them to comply by using modern crushing equipment,” Maj. Katamba stated. He highlighted Sino Mineral Investment in Buhara Sub-county as an example of an investor already utilizing effective water-based crushing technology, encouraging others to emulate their practices.

In addition to environmental concerns, the district is also addressing issues related to artisanal mining. The natural resources department has mandated that artisanal miners sell their iron ore exclusively to licensed operators within the extraction areas. This directive aims to prevent disputes and ensure that licensed holders, who pay significant fees, benefit from their investments. Traders attempting to buy ore outside these approved channels risk having their consignments confiscated. Miners are also advised to form registered associations to protect themselves from potential exploitation and to report any unfair pricing to district authorities.

The mining activities have also sparked debates regarding land rights, with some residents questioning the issuance of mining licenses on land they claim is under long-term government lease. Concerns have been raised about the lack of resident consultation prior to the granting of these permits.

For more details, please refer to the Daily Monitor.