Govt targets 308 mining sites in rural electrification drive

DODOMA: THE government plans to supply electricity to 308 small-scale mining sites across the country by June 2027 under an ongoing initiative aimed at improving productivity and reducing operational costs in the sector.

Deputy Minister for Energy, Salome Makamba, told the National Assembly yesterday that, by May 2026, a total of 289 smallscale mining sites had already been connected to electricity, including 18 mines in Lupa Constituency in Chunya District. She said the government, through the Rural Energy Agency (REA), will continue extending electricity to the remaining mining sites to enable miners to access reliable power for their operations.

Ms Makamba made the remarks while responding to a basic question from Lupa MP (CCM), Mr Masache Kasaka, who wanted to know government plans to supply electricity to small-scale miners to support their activities. In a supplementary question, the legislator also sought clarification on when the government would introduce a strategic plan to accelerate electrification in mining zones in order to boost production.

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He further asked about short-term measures being taken to ensure reliable and uninterrupted electricity supply while awaiting the completion of major power projects. Responding, Ms Makamba said energy remains a key driver of economic growth and assured Parliament that the government is taking deliberate steps to expand electricity access to artisanal mining areas.

She said that, for the first time in the country’s history, over 20bn/- has been earmarked in the next fiscal year budget specifically for extending electricity to small-scale mining areas.

According to the deputy minister, the initiative is expected to help miners improve efficiency, lower operational costs and increase productivity. On the issue of reliable electricity supply, Ms Makamba said the government is already implementing a project to construct a substation in Lupa Constituency to ensure stable and sufficient power supply in the area.

She said the increasing demand for electricity driven by mining activities and emerging industries requires a stronger and more reliable power infrastructure beyond domestic consumption. Ms Makamba confirmed that funds for the project have already been secured and that a contractor has been appointed to undertake the construction works.

She said the substation is expected to provide stable and high-capacity electricity to support mining operations and industrial growth in the constituency.