Arusha — A RECENTLY conducted study in the Tanzanite Mining Hills of Mirerani in Simanjiro District has revealed that the quarries also serve as "factories" for the deadly Tuberculosis (TB) infections.

"The outbreak of diseases such as TB and Fungus are common among artisanal and smallscale miners," states the "Case study of Tanzanite Mining in Mirerani" which focused on "Corporate Social Responsibility in the Tanzanian Mining Sector." According to the report, the crowding in the tiny shelters and narrow mine shafts highly contribute to the spread of TB and other infectious diseases.

"The outbreak of TB has been confirmed at the Kibong'oto Tuberculosis Clinic in Kilimanjaro where it was reported that majority of patients come from Mirerani Hills. The small-scale miners have also been dying of TB because most of them can not afford health insurance schemes in the backdrop of always increasing treatment costs.

The study on "Corporate Social Responsibility Situation in Tanzania Mining Sector - A case Study of Tanzanite Mining in Mirerani," whose report was launched here over the weekend, was conducted by Arusha Non-Government Organizations' Network (ANGONET) in association with the Finnish Non-Governmental Organization Platform (KEPA).

The technical study work was executed by Mr Peter Bayo, Ms Linda Lonnqvist, Mr Petro Ahham, Ms Jovita Mlay, Ms Winfrida Onesmo, Mr Henry Cigwasi, Ms Joanniah Mollel and Mr Rodolf Philemon who explained that, it was a survey study, where physical observation, intensive interviews and focus group discussions were employed as key instruments for data collection.

According to the report findings, "Corporate Social Responsibility" has never been effectively complied in Mirerani, failing to meet local community's expectations and perception towards actual operations.