Tanzania pledges to advance small-scale mining to enable it increase its productivity
RUANGWA: THE Tanzanian government, through the Ministry of Minerals, has pledged to continue creating a conducive environment for small-scale miners to access services and opportunities aimed at increasing production and productivity in the mining sector.
The Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr Steven Lemomo Kiruswa, made the remarks while closing the 2026 Lindi Region Mining and Investment Opportunities Exhibition held in Ruangwa District.
Dr Kiruswa said the government recognised the contribution of small-scale miners to national economic growth and that the ministry would continue working with them by creating an enabling environment to improve their operations.
“I urge miners to make use of opportunities provided by the government and its institutions to improve their operations and increase productivity,” he said.
He also urged miners to comply with the Mining Act, environmental laws and occupational health and safety requirements, as well as follow procedures and guidelines issued by the government governing mining activities.
Dr Kiruswa called on relevant institutions, including the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA), the National Environment Management Council (NEMC), the Mining Commission and local government authorities, to continue providing education and supervising mining activities to ensure they are conducted safely and in accordance with sustainability principles.
Speaking on the importance of the exhibition, Dr Kiruswa said it had provided an opportunity for members of the public to learn more about the mining sector and identify opportunities in mineral exploration, extraction, processing and value addition.
He also used the occasion to encourage local and international investors to consider Lindi Region as an area with significant investment opportunities in the mining sector.
“Lindi Region continues to build an important position in the country’s mining sector due to the presence of various minerals. I therefore urge both local and international investors to continue considering Lindi as an area with investment opportunities,” he said.
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Dr Kiruswa further said the government was committed to ensuring that a nickel processing plant is established in Lindi Region, a move that would help increase the value of minerals produced in the region.
He added that the government would continue strengthening mineral markets to enable miners to access reliable markets and reduce challenges associated with selling their minerals.
For his part, Lindi Regional Commissioner Adam Malima said the region recognised the significant contribution of the mining sector to economic and social development and was committed to continuing to create a favourable environment for miners and investors.
Meanwhile, Lindi Regional Members of Parliament representative and Nachingwea MP Fadhili Ally Liwaka called on the government to increase the number of nickel and copper processing plants in the region.
He said expanding mineral processing facilities would help increase the value of the minerals, enhance productivity and increase the benefits of the mining sector to Lindi Region and the country at large.
