The Tanzanian government is taking steps to empower women miners, moving them from the margins to ownership, production, investment, and mineral wealth creation. The Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr. Steven Kiruswa, emphasized this commitment during the 2026 Mining Queens Awards Ceremony in Geita Region. The government aims to see more women become mine owners, producers, traders, investors, and competitive service providers. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that Tanzania's mineral wealth creates wider economic opportunities.
The government's approach goes beyond simply increasing the number of mining licences issued to citizens. The objective is to ensure that licences translate into productive mining operations, growing businesses, employment opportunities, and income for the local community. Dr. Kiruswa noted that holding a mining licence does not automatically guarantee a successful mining operation. Women and other small-scale miners require appropriate technology, business knowledge, access to markets, capital, safety awareness, and the ability to manage mining activities sustainably.
In Geita Region, 714 women have joined different groups and received small-scale mining licences. This development represents an important opportunity for women to take a more direct role in the ownership and development of mineral resources. It also demonstrates how access to mining areas and formal licences can create a pathway for women to participate in the mineral economy. The government is building the capacity of women and small-scale miners in several areas essential for successful and responsible mining.
The government is providing support in technology, business management, occupational health and safety at mining sites, environmental management, value addition, and access to markets. Such support is intended to help women turn mining opportunities into productive and sustainable businesses. Technology can contribute to more efficient mining operations, while business management skills can help miners plan, manage, and grow their enterprises. Safety and environmental knowledge are equally important in ensuring that mining activities do not expose workers or surrounding communities to unnecessary risks.
Dr. Kiruswa urged women who have received mining licences to ensure that their mining areas are properly developed in accordance with the law, regulations, and the use of appropriate technology. He emphasized that mining activities must be conducted safely and sustainably. For women entering or expanding their activities in the sector, this means that the opportunity provided by a licence also comes with the responsibility to operate within the established legal, safety, and environmental requirements.
The State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) is playing a crucial role in empowering women miners. The Executive Director of STAMICO, Dr. Venance Mwasse, said the corporation would continue empowering women to participate fully in the mining sector by providing the knowledge, technology, and support required to improve productivity and grow their activities. STAMICO is working with the government and other stakeholders to create a conducive environment for women to develop their mining operations.
The Tanzania Women Miners Association (TAWOMA) has acknowledged the importance of government and institutional support in opening more opportunities for women. The Chairperson of TAWOMA, Semeni Malale, thanked the government and STAMICO for the measures taken to empower women to own and operate mining activities. She emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between the government, STAMICO, and TAWOMA so that more women can benefit from opportunities related to mining areas, technology, capital, and markets.
Key points
- The Tanzanian government is committed to creating an enabling environment for women to participate fully in the mineral value chain.
- Women miners are being empowered through access to mining licences, technology, business management skills, and support from institutions like STAMICO.
- The government aims to see women advance from participants to mine owners, large-scale producers, investors, traders, and competitive service providers within Tanzania and beyond.
