The State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) in Tanzania is enhancing its preparedness for the expected effects of El Niño rains. This move comes after the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) warned of intensifying rainfall in several parts of the country from late September through October. STAMICO's efforts follow a meeting between TMA Director General Dr. Ladislaus Chang'a and STAMICO management, employees, and experts. The engagement aimed to improve understanding of El Niño conditions and demonstrate how timely weather information can be incorporated into planning and day-to-day activities.
STAMICO Acting Managing Director Deusdedith Magala stated that the corporation is taking the forecast seriously due to the remote nature of its operations. Much of STAMICO's work is conducted away from urban centers, where heavy rainfall can quickly affect access, field operations, and production. Magala explained that minerals are mined in remote areas, not in towns, and that the corporation's people are scattered across those areas. When it rains heavily, STAMICO cannot continue working because its activities involve mining, mineral exploration, and mineral processing, all of which are greatly affected by rain.
The implications of El Niño rains extend beyond temporary interruptions for STAMICO. A substantial share of the corporation's revenue is generated from activities conducted in areas that may be affected by heavy rainfall. Disruptions caused by heavy rainfall could affect production and, ultimately, STAMICO's income. This prospect has prompted STAMICO to strengthen communication with employees working in different parts of the country. Magala said the corporation would continue educating its staff and ensuring they closely follow weather information and guidance issued by TMA.
During the meeting, Dr. Chang'a confirmed that El Niño conditions were present and expected rainfall to strengthen in various parts of Tanzania towards the end of September and during early October. He outlined the expected progression of rainfall, giving institutions and communities a clearer picture of when different areas could experience increased precipitation. According to Dr. Chang'a, rainfall was expected to begin intensifying in the Lake Victoria zone from the fourth week of September and the first week of October. The areas specifically identified include Geita, Kagera, Mwanza, Shinyanga, Simiyu, and Mara regions.
The forecast then extends to the northeastern highlands, with rainfall expected to begin in Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Manyara regions during the first and second weeks of October. Northern coastal areas were also included in the outlook, with Tanga, Dar es Salaam, northern Morogoro, Pwani, and Mafia, together with the islands of Unguja and Pemba, expected to begin receiving rainfall during the first and second weeks of October. Dr. Chang'a said rainfall in the identified areas was expected to range from average to above average.
Dr. Chang'a urged the public and institutions to continue with their normal economic and social activities while paying close attention to information issued by TMA. He stressed that the message was not to halt activities but to make informed decisions based on changing weather conditions. To support such decisions, TMA will continue issuing different forms of weather information, including seasonal forecasts, 10-day and 5-day forecasts, and daily weather updates.
For STAMICO, the engagement with TMA has provided an opportunity to connect meteorological information directly with the realities of mining operations. Magala said the education provided by TMA had helped employees better understand the expected conditions and how they could continue their responsibilities while observing necessary precautions. The corporation will maintain close monitoring of TMA updates and take appropriate measures based on professional advice to minimize potential disruption to mining, mineral exploration, and mineral processing activities.
Key points
- STAMICO is enhancing preparedness for El Niño rains.
- TMA forecasts intensifying rainfall in several parts of Tanzania.
- STAMICO to strengthen communication with employees on weather information.
