GGML celebrates World Environment Day by educating and empowering communities to beat plastic pollution

Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML), one of AngloGold Ashanti's flagship mines in Tanzania, marked World Environment Day on 5 June with educational activities on the different types of plastics and the donation of containers that enable the public to properly separate plastic waste. The event took place in Geita town, where GGML staff and local authorities worked together to raise awareness about the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling plastics.

World Environment Day is an important global event organised by the United Nations Environment Programme, and this year the theme is 'Solutions to Plastic Pollution'. Plastic waste is a global problem that poses many threats to the environment, wildlife and human health..

GGML is aware that mining has a direct impact on the environment as land and water resources need to be developed. The company is committed to environmental stewardship and has taken various measures to minimise its environmental footprint and enhance its positive contribution to the communities around Geita.

One of these measures is the management of plastic waste from various sources such as packaging materials, personal protective equipment, water bottles and food containers. The company also trains all employees and contractors to separate and dispose of different types of waste using colour-coded and labelled bins. All employees and contractors receive environmental training to ensure compliance with waste management policies and procedures.

The mine's Environmental Manager, Yusuph Mhando, said, "We are proud to celebrate World Environment Day and share our best practices with the communities around Geita. We believe that by educating and empowering people to properly separate plastic waste, we can make a positive difference in the fight against plastic pollution. We also encourage everyone to embrace the 3Rs principle: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle plastics whenever possible."

GGML takes its duty to limit its environmental impact very seriously and is committed to responsible environmental management. The mine has been operating in Tanzania for over twenty years and is one of the largest and most compliant taxpayers in the country. It employs over 5,000 people both directly and through contractors, about 98% of whom are Tanzanian nationals.