Mining body calls for competitive mining environment for both domestic, foreign investments

DODOMA: THE Chairperson of the Mining Commission, Dr Janet Lekashingo, has called on officials of the Commission to accelerate efforts to create an enabling, competitive and attractive investment environment for both domestic and foreign investors in the mining sector, so that the sector can fully play its strategic role in achieving the National Development Vision 2050.

Dr Lekashingo made the call in Dodoma during a meeting of the Mining Commission, which received and discussed reports on the implementation of the Commission’s responsibilities and reviewed strategies to further strengthen the contribution of the mining sector to economic growth and national development.

She said the mining sector is among the strategic sectors expected to serve as a key pillar in implementing the National Development Vision 2050. She said the Commission therefore has a major responsibility to ensure that mineral resources make a greater contribution to economic growth, increased government revenue, investment attraction, job creation and expanded business opportunities for Tanzanians.

“The government led by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, has high expectations for the mining sector. It is our responsibility to ensure that we are properly prepared, continue improving the investment environment and, at the same time, firmly enforce mining laws and regulations so that the nation and Tanzanians can fully benefit from their mineral resources,” Dr Lekashingo said.

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She stressed that an enabling investment environment must go hand in hand with strong enforcement of mining laws and regulations, as well as adherence to the principles of transparency, efficiency and accountability. According to her, these measures are essential to ensuring that growth in the mining sector is sustainable and delivers broad benefits to the nation.

Dr Lekashingo also urged Commission officials to continue providing investors and members of the public with information on opportunities available across the entire mining value chain.

She identified these opportunities as including mineral exploration and extraction, mineral processing and value addition, mineral trading, as well as strengthening local content through the participation of Tanzanians in the supply of goods and services, employment and skills development.

She said increasing Tanzanian participation across the mining value chain is critical to ensuring that the sector not only increases government revenue, but also creates jobs, promotes local businesses, develops skills and maximises the benefits of mineral resources for citizens and the national economy as a whole.