Tanzania's Prime Minister, Mwigulu Nchemba, has issued directives to the Ministry of Minerals to strengthen the management of the mining sector. This move aims to enhance productivity and align with the country's Development Vision 2050. The directives were given during the closing ceremony of the Ninth National Mining Technology Exhibition in Geita.
The exhibition, held at the Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan grounds in Geita Municipal Council, had the theme "Minerals are Wealth, Let Us Take Responsibility Together." Dr. Nchemba emphasized that everyone has a responsibility to effectively manage the mining sector to achieve the objectives of National Vision 2050. The vision provides a roadmap for building a competitive and inclusive economy driven by knowledge, innovation, and technology.
The government has already begun implementing National Vision 2050. Recognizing the mining sector as a crucial pillar of the national economy, the government amended the law to allocate 10 per cent of mineral revenues to mineral exploration and research. This move is expected to further strengthen management and expand exploration activities in the sector.
According to the Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, Tanzania has so far reached 16 per cent in mineral exploration. The new legislation will build on this progress, and the ministry will continue to provide education and training for small-scale miners. This training aims to encourage the use of science and technology and abandon misconceptions involving superstition in mining activities.
Geita Regional Commissioner, Alexander Mnyeti, highlighted the importance of the Mining Technology Exhibition as a platform for expanding the use of technology in mining operations. He emphasized the need to promote technologies that can identify mineral-rich areas, improve efficiency in mining and mineral processing, and reduce mineral losses.
Mnyeti also stressed the need to increase investment in mineral processing in Tanzania. This would enable the country to move beyond merely producing minerals and become a key player throughout the mining value chain. The government and mining companies are working together to develop the sector and achieve the goals of Vision 2050.
Ashraf Suryaningrat, Managing Director of Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML), expressed the company's commitment to working with the government to develop the mining sector. GGML is committed to producing mineral resources and developing skilled human resources with the knowledge and capacity required to advance modern mining, in line with National Vision 2050.
Key points
- The Tanzanian government has amended the law to allocate 10 per cent of mineral revenues to mineral exploration and research.
- Tanzania has so far reached 16 per cent in mineral exploration.
- The government and mining companies are working together to develop the sector and achieve the goals of Vision 2050.
