The mining sector plays a key role for livelihoods, employment and its contribution to the GDP in Tanzania. Over 90% Tanzanians engaged in mining sector are artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM). ASM is linked to landscape aesthetics degradation and pollution of ecosystem health through release of the toxic heavy metals from ore carrying the mined element/gem and the chemicals used in separation process. The Heavy metals contaminate water sources, soil, plants and air and through ingesting contaminated water, plant parts or breathing contaminated air at certain dosage, humans are poisoned.

Informal gold mining operations increases export potential of the metal to the environment. The studies conducted to determine the heavy metal contents detected high Mercury and cyanide accumulation in agricultural soils, animals and Plants. ‘The highest Total mercury levels were noticed in lungs, Liver, gizzards, feathers of domestic ducks and chicken, Plants (sweet potatoes, beans and yams) near rivers and amalgamation ponds in Mugusu Village and Nyamongo mines’. Mining activities is responsible for heavy metal environmental pollution producing heavy metals absorbed by food crop and pasture plants, causing neurological, cancer, skin and other diseases people in ASM communities..

Concluding, mining remains the important sector for economic growth in Tanzania however sustainable development strategies balancing economic developments, social development as well as safeguarding the environment against health hazards is evident. The present generation should ensure the beneficial use of the environment, health, diversity and productivity of the environment is maintained for the benefit of future generations.
Simple soil amendment techniques including use of manure for correction of soil acidity and lime application for raising soil pH that reduces metal availability and toxicity are needed. Government authorities, local authorities, individuals in these areas, Public Health specialists, environmentalists should be involved in pollution Education and monitoring, management and control programmes.

---