Miners urged to use new mining regulations

GEITA: DEPUTY Minister for Minerals, Dr Steven Kiruswa, has urged small-scale miners to take advantage of the Technical Assistance Regulations to develop their mining licences through lawful partnerships with investors instead of leaving them idle.

The regulations for holders of Primary Mining Licences (PMLs), introduced in 2025 under Government Notice No 260 of 2025, are intended to help miners access capital, technical skills and equipment needed to increase production.

He made the call yesterday while addressing smallscale miners during a Mining Commission workshop held alongside the National Mining Technology Exhibition in Geita Municipality.

He said the regulations were introduced after the government identified challenges facing licence holders who entered agreements with investors without following established procedures.

According to him, many licence holders possess mining rights but lack the financial resources and expertise needed to develop them.

ALSO READ: Mining reforms target safer blasting, better surveys for small-scale miners

“For those who were concerned that these regulations could have negative effects, I can assure you that they are a solution for small-scale miners if we properly implement them,” Dr Kiruswa said.

Senior Mining Commission representative, Ms Thenonestina Mwasha, said the regulations clearly define the responsibilities of both investors and licence holders, making partnerships more transparent.

“The Government’s objective is to ensure that a smallscale miner obtains capital and skills so that they can benefit from the licence they own,” Ms Mwasha said.

She said the Mining Act empowers the Commission to revoke undeveloped mining licences, adding that the Technical Assistance Regulations provide a practical way for miners to avoid losing their licences while benefiting from legitimate investment partnerships.

Mining Commission Commissioner, Dr Abdulrahman Mwanga, urged miners to keep proper records of agreements entered into with investors to safeguard their interests.

“The Government established these regulations not only to benefit one party but also to protect both parties entering into such agreements,” Dr Mwanga said.

He added that the Ministry of Minerals will continue educating miners on the regulations while collecting their views to improve their implementation.

Acting Geita Regional Administrative Secretary, Dr Alfas Msenya, said continued public education on the regulations would help reduce disputes in mining areas.