Tanzania's Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr. Steven Kiruswa, has encouraged small-scale miners to utilize the Technical Assistance Regulations to develop their mining licences through partnerships with investors. The regulations, introduced in 2025, aim to help miners access capital, technical skills, and equipment to increase production. This initiative was announced during a Mining Commission workshop held in Geita Municipality, alongside the National Mining Technology Exhibition.
The regulations were introduced to address challenges faced by licence holders who entered agreements with investors without following established procedures. Many licence holders possess mining rights but lack the necessary financial resources and expertise to develop them. Dr. Kiruswa assured that the regulations are a solution for small-scale miners if properly implemented. He made the call to small-scale miners during the workshop.
According to Senior Mining Commission representative, Ms. Thenonestina Mwasha, the regulations clearly define the responsibilities of both investors and licence holders, making partnerships more transparent. The Government's objective is to ensure that small-scale miners obtain capital and skills to benefit from their licences. The Mining Act empowers the Commission to revoke undeveloped mining licences.
The Technical Assistance Regulations provide a practical way for miners to avoid losing their licences while benefiting from legitimate investment partnerships. Mining Commission Commissioner, Dr. Abdulrahman Mwanga, urged miners to keep proper records of agreements entered into with investors to safeguard their interests. The Ministry of Minerals will continue educating miners on the regulations while collecting their views to improve their implementation.
Dr. Mwanga added that the regulations were established not only to benefit one party but also to protect both parties entering into such agreements. Acting Geita Regional Administrative Secretary, Dr. Alfas Msenya, said continued public education on the regulations would help reduce disputes in mining areas. This move aims to promote responsible and sustainable mining practices in Tanzania.
The Deputy Minister's call to action emphasizes the importance of small-scale miners taking advantage of the new regulations. By doing so, they can develop their mining licences and increase production. The Government's efforts to educate miners on the regulations will continue, ensuring that they understand the benefits and implications of the Technical Assistance Regulations.
The introduction of the Technical Assistance Regulations marks a significant step towards improving the mining sector in Tanzania. The regulations will help create a more transparent and responsible mining environment, benefiting both small-scale miners and investors. The Ministry of Minerals remains committed to supporting small-scale miners in implementing these regulations.
Key points
- The new regulations aim to help small-scale miners access capital, technical skills, and equipment needed to increase production.
- The regulations clearly define the responsibilities of both investors and licence holders, making partnerships more transparent.
- The Ministry of Minerals will continue educating miners on the regulations while collecting their views to improve their implementation.
