TANESCO, GGML launch grid expansion
GEITA: THE Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO) in collaboration with Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML) have launched a major energy infrastructure project that will connect GGML’s operations directly to Tanzania’s national grid, bypassing the Mpomvu substation in Geita.
Funded by TANESCO and developed following a feasibility study jointly undertaken by the two companies, the project will free up approximately 40 MW of electricity capacity currently allocated to GGML’s operations. The additional capacity will become available to other customers connected to the Mpomvu substation, including artisanal and small-scale miners in the area.
The official project kickoff meeting was held on September 19th this year, bringing together representatives from TANESCO, the project contractor SIHOTECH Engineering Company Limited, in a joint venture with SIEYUAN Electric Company Limited and the TANESCO Consulting Unit.
The delegation also visited GGML’s on-site substation to gain a better understanding of the existing infrastructure and operational requirements.
The project includes a dedicated feeder for GGML’s substation, supported by a 96 MW transmission line and a 220/33 kV substation with two 120 MVA transformers. It is being implemented as a public-private partnership between GGML and the Government of Tanzania through TANESCO.
The project also aligns with the ambitions of Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050 (Dira 2050), which sets a target of increasing per-capita electricity consumption to 3,000 kWh by mid-century, from approximately 170 kWh today. Expanding and strengthening transmission infrastructure in regions such as Geita will contribute to this ambition by supporting increased electricity access, economic activity and industrial development.
Representing GGML at the project kick-off, Electrical Engineer at GGML Abrahamu Nzowa said the company was ready to move forward with the project.
“We are pleased to be starting this impactful project,” he said. “It marks an important step in how the Government of Tanzania is investing in sustainable energy infrastructure for the mine and for the region.”
The project is expected to benefit not only GGML’s operations but also the artisanal and small-scale mining sector, businesses and communities that depend on the Mpomvu substation. By freeing up approximately 40 MW, the project will create additional capacity for new and existing customers across the Geita area.
Vice-President for Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement at AngloGold Ashanti Tanzania, Simon Shayo, said the project demonstrates the value of public-private collaboration in delivering benefits that extend beyond a single operation.
“AngloGold Ashanti’s purpose is to mine to empower people and advance societies, and this project is an expression of that,” Shayo said. “Connecting GGML directly to the national grid improves how we operate, and the capacity freed at Mpomvu extends real benefit to communities and businesses across Geita. That is what responsible mining looks like in practice.”
The grid expansion project represents an important investment in Geita’s energy infrastructure, strengthening the electricity supply available to the region while supporting mining, business activity and wider economic development.
