Commission stresses compliance to boost TZ’s mineral sector

DODOMA: THE Mining Commission has emphasised the strict enforcement of laws and regulations in the mining sector to ensure that operations benefit Tanzanians and safeguard national interests.

Speaking in Dodoma recently during a meeting with mining licence holders under the Technical Assistance Regulations for Small Scale Mining, Mining Commission Commissioner, Engineer Theonestina Mwasha, said the government prioritises empowering local licence holders while ensuring that foreign investors comply with all legal and investment procedures before starting operations.

The Commissioner reminded participants that foreign investors must obtain approval through the relevant resident mines officers and possess the specialised expertise required in the sector.

“It is the responsibility of a licence holder to protect the dignity and interests of Tanzanians in mining areas. It is unacceptable for a Tanzanian to be exploited under a licence owned by a fellow Tanzanian,” Engineer Mwasha said.

She explained that licence holders must comply with all conditions of their licences and noted that mine operations management is a shared responsibility between the facilitator and the licence holder.

This includes appointing a competent manager to oversee mining activities and ensure workers’ safety.

Engineer Mwasha also condemned the tendency of some local licence holders to engage foreign investors without following official procedures through the Mining Offices, stressing that all agreements must be lawful and supervised by the relevant authorities.

“Foreign investors must respect Tanzanian customs and traditions and ensure they have experts who can communicate in both Kiswahili and English. The government is committed to protecting local citizens while also safeguarding investors in accordance with existing laws and regulations,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Mining Commission’s Legal Officer, Hadija Ramadhan, said the Commission continues to educate licence holders on technical assistance regulations under the Mining Act, Cap 123.

She explained that small-scale mining licence holders are permitted to enter into technical assistance agreements with facilitators, but such agreements must be formal and approved by the mining authorities.

Facilitators are required to provide support in areas such as exploration, mining operations, machinery and technology use, as well as mineral processing.

ALSO READ: Mining commission seeks to increase opportunities in mineral sector

All equipment must be listed in the agreement and remain the property of the licence holder if the contract is terminated.

On her part, Mining Commission Commissioner, Dr Theresia Numbi, stressed the importance of licence holders fully understanding agreements before entering into partnerships, urging them to seek legal expertise.

“A contract is a very important tool. Consult a lawyer to help interpret it before signing. It is better to incur a small cost now than suffer losses later,” she said.

She further emphasised the need for stakeholders in the mining sector to hold regular review meetings to monitor revenues, challenges and achievements.

Dr Numbi also reminded licence holders to fulfil their obligations by preparing robust Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) plans and ensuring that mine workers are Tanzanian citizens, except where specialised technical assistance is required.

She stressed the importance of building local capacity so that Tanzanians acquire skills and expertise, ensuring that technical assistance delivers lasting benefits.