Geita RC calls for responsible mining, local processing

GEITA: GEITA Regional Commissioner, Mr Alexander Mnyeti has called for responsible investment in the mining sector, urging stakeholders to comply with laws and increase mineral processing to enable Tanzania to benefit more from its mineral wealth.

Mr Mnyeti said mineral wealth alone was not enough to drive development, stressing the need for collective responsibility among the government, investors, licence holders, small-scale miners and other stakeholders.

He made the remarks over the weekend during the closing ceremony of the Ninth National Mining Technology Exhibition held at Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan grounds in Geita Municipality.

Mr Mnyeti said the theme of the exhibition, “Minerals are Wealth: Let Us Take Collective Responsibility to Achieve the National Vision 2050,” reflected the shared responsibility between the government and investors in ensuring that the mining sector contributed effectively to national development.

“We must ensure that mining activities are conducted in compliance with laws and procedures, while safeguarding the environment and the interests of citizens,” Mr Mnyeti said.

He called for increased investment in mineral processing so that Tanzania could move beyond being a producer of minerals and become a key player across the mining value chain.

Mr Mnyeti said greater value addition would enable the country to derive more benefits from its mineral resources while supporting economic development.

“This exhibition has become an important platform for showcasing new technologies, innovations, investment opportunities, various services and experiences that can increase productivity in mining activities,” he said.

He said technology was an important component of the mining sector and called for the promotion of technologies that could help identify mineral-rich areas and improve efficiency in mining and mineral processing. Mr Mnyeti said the government wanted the mining sector to create more jobs, increase revenue, promote technology and develop expertise and skills among young people.

He said developing skills among young Tanzanians would enable them to participate more effectively in the mining sector and benefit from opportunities arising from the industry.

The RC also called on mining stakeholders to work together in promoting responsible investment while ensuring that mining activities complied with established laws and procedures.

Geita Regional Administrative Secretary, Mr Mohamed Gombati, said 4,418 people received services from various institutions during the Ninth National Mining Technology Exhibition.

He said the figure reflected the role of the exhibition in bringing together mining stakeholders and providing members of the public with access to various services.

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Managing Director of Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML), Mr Ashraf Suryaningrat, said the company was committed to working with the government to promote the growth of the mining sector.

Mr Suryaningrat said the company’s commitment was also aligned with the objectives of National Vision 2050.

He said GGML was committed not only to producing mineral resources but also to developing skilled human resources with the knowledge and capabilities required for modern mining.

The Ninth National Mining Technology Exhibition provided a platform for stakeholders to showcase mining technologies, innovations, investment opportunities and services aimed at improving productivity in the sector.