PM sees potential mineral wealth in Simiyu as Tanzania advances small-scale mining  

BARIADI: PRIME Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has urged Tanzanian youth to take advantage of opportunities in the mining sector so they can benefit from the country’s mineral wealth and build large Tanzanian-owned businesses.

He said the government aims to support small-scale miners to expand their operations and become major investors, stressing that Tanzania’s mineral resources should benefit its citizens.

“We want these small-scale miners to grow as well and create Tanzanian billionaires. That is why these resources were placed here in Tanzania—to benefit Tanzanians,” he said.

The Prime Minister made the remarks on September 15, 2026, while addressing residents of Sapiwi Ward in Bariadi District Council, Simiyu Region, during his working visit to the region.

Dr Nchemba said some people had been holding large numbers of mining licences for many years without developing them, while young people lacked areas where they could carry out mining activities.

“One person may have many licences and hold them for 10 years while young people are looking for places to mine. I have directed the Minister for Minerals to conduct an assessment so that licences that are not being used can be allocated to young people who need areas to conduct mining activities,” he said.

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He further directed the Minister for Minerals to review licences that have been held for extended periods without being developed and, where they are found not to be in use in accordance with the relevant conditions, take appropriate action to make the areas available to young people interested in mining.

On roads, the Prime Minister directed the Simiyu Regional Commissioner to ensure that the Somanda–Nkololo–Matongo–Igegu road is upgraded to regional status so that it can be maintained by the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS).

“Upgrade this road so that it can be maintained by TANROADS. Give it regional status so that it can receive the necessary approval. But before that, bridges must be constructed so that residents are not stranded, and at the same time we do not lose lives when people are swept away by floods,” he said.