PS urges mining commissioners to embrace innovation

DODOMA: PERMANENT Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals, Engineer Yahya Samamba has urged officials from the Mining Commission to adopt innovative approaches in managing the mineral sector, with a strong emphasis on increasing the involvement of Tanzanians across the entire mining value chain.

Speaking during the opening session of an orientation training for newly appointed Mining Commissioners in Dodoma, Eng Samamba underscored the need to empower Tanzanians in key operations such as exploration, mining, mineral processing, trading and the provision of services to mining operations.

The newly appointed commissioners, Engineer Theonestina Mwasha and Dr Theresia Numbi were recently named to their positions by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Eng Samamba noted that since the establishment of the Mining Commission in April 2018, there has been a marked increase in local participation and a significant decrease in disputes related to mining activities.

He urged the new commissioners to design and implement innovative strategies that further expand local involvement, particularly in the provision of services at mining sites.

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“Despite the progress made, especially in increasing Tanzanian participation and reducing conflicts, I encourage you to introduce additional innovations. These should focus on streamlining the licensing process, enhancing local content initiatives and strengthening the enforcement of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by mining companies. Such measures will ensure the sector continues to contribute meaningfully to the national economy,” he said.

Highlighting key milestones since the commission’s inception, Eng Samamba cited the establishment of 30 Resident Mining Officers’ offices across the country, the deployment of 13 Resident Mine Officers, the creation of 43 Mineral Trading Hubs and the opening of 109 Buying Centres.

For her part, the Chairperson of the Mining Commission, Dr Janet Lekashingo, congratulated the new commissioners on their appointments and assured them of full cooperation from the Commission’s management and staff.

She said the orientation programme was designed to provide the new appointees with comprehensive knowledge of the mining sector and the Commission’s mandate, enabling them to effectively carry out their responsibilities.