The Tolukuma Mine in Central Province is set to reopen its mining operations after years of closure. However, local communities affected by the mine's previous operations are still concerned about environmental issues that may arise. The local MP for Kairuku, Peter Isoaimo, welcomed the news of the mine's reopening but expressed his constituents' concerns about the mine's waste disposal practices. According to him:
"The St Joseph Angabanga river ring has sedimentation build-up in the riverbed, which causes havoc as soon as the rain starts pouring in the mountains of Goilala district. We have deformed babies and mysterious deaths. All these relate to destruction caused by the mine in the last 25-30 years of the mine’s life."
Mr Isoaimo called on the Mining and Conservation and Environment Protection Agency to prioritise the livelihood of the people and address the environmental issues before allowing the mine to resume operations. He also warned that failure to do so could result in a genocide, as has happened in other parts of the world. He said:
"With the reopening now, I’d like to bring to the attention of the Mining and Conservation and Environment Protection Agency that we need to look at the livelihood of the people. Otherwise, we will cause a genocide like every other place in the world."
Mr Isoaimo also asked the Mining Minister to confirm whether the mining licence was issued to the new mining operator, Lole Mining, despite the unresolved environmental concerns. In response, the Mining Minister, Sir Ano Pala, confirmed the existence of the licence and clarified the status of the operator. He assured the people of Kairuku that responsible authorities would do everything possible to minimise the impact of waste from the mine. Sir Ano said:
"We are aware of the issues of concern and will look at every way possible to minimise the impact of waste."
