cross-posted from: https://mander.xyz/post/55188528

Workers at Tianpin Investment Management Ltd, a Chinese-owned gold mining company operating in Kahama District, Shinyanga Region, have asked the government to intervene over alleged labour rights violations and unsafe working conditions.

The complaints were raised before the Kahama District Security Committee during an inspection visit to the mine after a video circulated showing some workers allegedly collecting human waste in buckets and dumping it in an open area.

The workers claimed they were working without employment contracts, personal protective equipment (PPE), adequate rest periods and in unsafe conditions, while fearing dismissal if they raised concerns.

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Some also accused Chinese supervisors of harassment, alleging that workers were threatened with job losses and delayed salaries whenever they complained.

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One of the workers, Amos Daudi, said many employees had worked at the mine without contracts, leaving them afraid to speak out over their grievances.

“Many workers here do not have employment contracts. They are afraid to speak because they fear losing their jobs. Contracts were only given to a few people who appeared outspoken. They were not given time to read them and were only asked to sign. We do not even have copies,” he said.

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Mr Daudi also raised concerns over water management at the mine, alleging that wastewater from mining activities and toilets was being directed towards nearby residential areas.

He claimed workers were forced to dig trenches connecting water from underground mining activities with sewage from toilets, with the flow ending near residents’ homes.

“This water reaches areas where people live. The same water is used to prepare food, wash clothes, bathe and, sometimes when workers are thirsty underground, they drink it because drinking water is far away,” he said.

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On accommodation, Mr Daudi said workers … slept on sacks filled with grass instead of proper mattresses and that the rooms were infested with bedbugs.

Another worker, Tumaini Shoo, accused a Chinese supervisor of assaulting her without explanation.

“One day he wanted to beat my colleague without any reason, and another day he beat me. They do not care whether someone is a woman or not. They take the law into their own hands,” she alleged.

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A worker, Mazengo Festo, complained about a lack of rest periods, saying employees were required to collect firewood after meals before returning to work.

“If you start working on the first day of the month, you work until the 30th. After lunch, you must collect firewood for cooking. If you refuse, Sh10,000 is deducted or you risk losing your job. I earn only Sh14,000 a day,” he said.

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The mine manager, Geofrey Msumali, admitted that there were challenges, particularly regarding safety equipment, employment contracts and workers’ welfare.

“What they have said is true. I think this investor does not understand the role of a manager. At the moment, I have been isolated and my concerns are not being addressed,” he said.

Mr Msumali said protective equipment was available but admitted safety conditions at the mine needed improvement.

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Kahama District Commissioner Frank Nkinda ordered an immediate investigation and inspection to establish the facts and ensure compliance with labour and mining regulations.

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He also instructed environmental officials to visit the mine and conduct a thorough assessment.

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