TZ hits 96 pc of mineral revenue target
GEITA: THE government has collected over 3.9tri/- from the mineral sector over the past four years, reaching 96 per cent of the revenue target set by the Ministry of Minerals under the sixth-phase government.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko made the revelation during the closing ceremony of the 8th Mining Technology Exhibition held at the Dr Samia Suluhu grounds in Bombambili, Geita Municipal Council.
“The growth is a result of developing the entire mining value chain, from small-scale miners, mineral traders and processors, to the government’s efforts in strengthening the sector through policy, legal and institutional reforms,” said Dr Biteko.
He said artisanal and small-scale miners’ contribution to mineral production has doubled, rising from 20 per cent in 2020 to 40 per cent in 2024.
Mining sector’s contribution to national GDP has grown from 6.8 per cent in 2020 to 10. 1 per cent in 2024.
The government has facilitated the establishment of 43 mineral trading hubs and 109 mineral buying centres across the country by 2025.
Dr Biteko noted that the government has created a more conducive environment for investment and participation through improved access to markets, modern technologies, education and training for miners.
In Geita Region alone, small-scale miners produced 22,014.6 kilogrammes of gold, worth 3.4tri/-, between 2021/22 and 2024/25. This production generated 2.5bn/- in government revenue.
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“We have significantly increased Tanzanian participation in every stage of the mining value chain, from exploration and extraction to processing and trading,” he said.
He also emphasised the government’s continued commitment to local content enforcement, noting that 95 per cent of jobs in the mining sector are now held by Tanzanians, with only 5 per cent occupied by foreigners.
“I direct the Mining Commission to ensure continued enforcement of the local content law. Tanzania has made remarkable strides in this sector,” he stressed.
Geita Regional Commissioner Martine Shigella called on the government to enact a law enabling locals to store gold at the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), allowing them to benefit more directly from international gold markets.
He also appealed for the removal of taxes and import duties on mercury-free mineral processing equipment, both to boost production and support environmental protection.
Chief Secretary of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Engineer. Zena Said, praised the Geita Mining Technology Exhibition for gaining international recognition, noting that Zanzibar will now consider participation in future editions.
She said increased involvement of youth, women and the general public in mining could help reduce unemployment and address market access challenges by fostering collaboration between mining and other sectors.
Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Minerals, Mr Msafiri Mbibo said the exhibition had helped raise awareness about modern and efficient mining technologies, particularly among small-scale miners.
“The event has improved mineral production and trade quality, reduced community conflicts and created a platform for better coordination and enforcement of mining laws,” he noted.
Geita Regional Administrative Secretary, Hashim Komba said that the exhibition attracted 939 participants, including 12 large-scale mining companies.
Delegates came from several countries, including Rwanda, Burundi, China, Uganda and Malawi, underscoring the exhibition’s growing international relevance.
