Minister calls for responsible mining to boost development

DAR ES SALAAM: DEPUTY Minister for Minerals Dr Steven Kiruswa has emphasised the importance of responsible mining in supporting Tanzania’s national development priorities.

Speaking at the 25th anniversary gala of Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML) held in Dar es Salaam over the weekend, Dr Kiruswa commended the company for being the model of sustainable and responsible mining.

“GGML’s track record demonstrates how responsible mining can support national development priorities,” he said. The deputy minister commended the company for its strong performance over the past 25 years, particularly in areas of tax compliance, job creation, sustainability and community development.

“GGML has shown that mining can be a powerful driver of economic growth when conducted responsibly and in partnership with government and communities,” he noted.

He added that the company’s contributions through taxes, employment opportunities and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives had strengthened both the mining sector and the wider economy. According to Dr Kiruswa, GGML’s experience provides valuable lessons for the future growth of Tanzania’s mining industry.

“As the government continues to implement reforms in the mining sector, partnerships such as those demonstrated by GGML are essential in ensuring sustainable and inclusive development,” he said.

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The high-profile gala brought together senior government officials, chief executive officers, managing directors, members of the diplomatic corps and key private sector stakeholders.

Among the institutions represented were Stanbic Bank, PUMA Energy, Mwananchi Communications Limited and the Bank of Tanzania (BoT).

The mining sector was represented by the Tanzania Chamber of Mines, led by its Executive Secretary Engineer Raymond Rweyemamu, along with mine contractors including Suhara Group and several members of the diplomatic community.

The anniversary celebrations were anchored around the ‘Stori za Dhahabu’ initiative, a storytelling platform designed to capture the experiences of individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by GGML since it began operations in 2000. Guests also received an augmented reality (AR)- enabled legacy book, offering an interactive blend of written narratives and digital content.

Former GGML Managing Director and current Vice-President for the Africa Business Unit at AngloGold Ashanti, Mr Terry Strong, described GGML as one of the company’s strongestperforming operations on the continent.

“GGML’s consistent production performance, operational discipline and longterm engagement with host communities have made it a benchmark within our African portfolio,” Mr Strong said.