DAR ES SALAAM: EXPLOITATION of valued added critical minerals is one of top agenda in the upcoming Tanzania Mining and Investment Conference 2024 as the country responds to the global quest for net zero emissions by 2050.
Net zero means cutting carbon emissions to keep global warming to not more than 1.5 degree Celsius as called for in the Paris Agreement, a binding document for global nations to combat the effects of climate change.
Minister for Minerals, Mr Antony Mavunde unveiled the government’s commitment towards full exploitation of the critical minerals at a press conference yesterday in Dar es Salaam ahead of the conference which will run from November 19 to 21 this year.
ALSO READ: Countdown to 2024 Mining Conference: Tanzania to become global powerhouse in graphite mining
He noted that the global transition to clean energy which includes conversion of fossil powered vehicles to e-vehicles has increased the demand of critical minerals such as graphite which are used in batteries manufacturing, noting that Tanzania is eyeing to lever- age such opportunities.
“The government is committed to ensure valued addition o all critical minerals in order to preserve jobs, boost inno vation and revenue collection.
It is time for the country to re- alise the potential of all critical minerals,” he said.
Mr Mavunde hinted that already Scandinavian countries have enacted a law which bans production of vehicles powered by diesel and petrol, calling for the future of e-vehicles and green energy.
Under the Paris Agreement, world nations are committed to reduce emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.
The mining conference which will be held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam will be graced by President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan in November 19 and it will be concluded by Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi on November 21.
Also, on November 20, the conference will be featured by the Mineral Night Gala under the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy Dr Doto Biteko to recognise through awards contributions of different stakeholders on development of the sector and showcase mineral products.
The conference which is themed “Mineral Value Addition for Socio-Economic Development” is expected to bring together over 1,500 mining stakeholders from within the country, Africa and beyond encompassing representatives from major mineral conglomerates such as Barrick Gold Corporation, Helium One, Sotta Mining and Anglo-Gold Ashanti.
It will also involve various African minerals ministers, academics, researchers, representatives from international institutions and over 30 diplomats available in the country to share experience regarding the mining sector while unlocking challenges facing in order to realise its fullest potentials.
