Coal mining company plants 5,000 trees

OVER 5,700 trees which include those bearing fruits, timber and ornaments have been planted by Tancoal Energy Limited in Ruvuma region.

The power generation company said in a statement that it has taken deliberate actions to mitigate harmful effects on nature and ensure man-made changes made to the environment like tree clearing are addressed.

The firm said company’s coal mining and power generation activities have harmful effects on communities around the mine operations.

“Apart from mine closure plan intended to be done this year 2015, Tancoal Energy Ltd produced tree nursery and planted them at mine site, stockpile and all villages surrounding the mine,” the company said in the statement.

It said the trees play a key role in creating a healthy environment hence management’s decision to plant them at the mine site, stockpile and Mbalawala women office in Mbinga district.

“Furthermore, the exercise extended by planting trees at the villages surrounding the mine and those which our haul trucks are passing,” it noted naming Amani Makolo, Mkeke, Paradiso, Ruanda and Lyombo as villages which have benefited from the exercise.

Among other functions, trees assist in minimising deterioration of air quality due to mining activities, physical rehabilitation of the environment and conserve the biodiversity.

In conclusion, the statement said planting trees is an easy and effective way to beautify the environment, moderating climate, improving air quality, conserving water sources and provide shade in summer and wind protection in winter.

“Since a tree is such a visible part of the landscape, care must be taken to ensure proper growth conditions are maintained,” the statement concluded.

Ngaka coalfield is jointly developed by Australian Intra Energy Corporation Limited and National Development Corporation through Tancoal Energy Ltd, a joint venture between the two companies.

The coalfield which has reserve of 251 million tonnes will produce 400 megawatts of electricity of which between 120MW and 200MW will be generated this year.

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