UDSM experts call for increased investment in mining technology and innovation
MWANZA: MINING experts have requested Tanzania to increase investment in education, technology and innovation to ensure that mineral resources stimulate economic development and provide more opportunities for Tanzanians.
The call was made today, July 23, 2026, 5 by a Lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Professor Elisante Mshiu, during a discussion held at the Fifth Forum on the Implementation of Tanzanian Participation in the Mining Sector in Mwanza.
Professor Mshiu said the success of the mining sector in the coming years will depend on the country’s ability to invest in people, skills and modern technologies instead of relying solely on resources.
He said the world is moving towards greater use of technology and artificial intelligence (AI), which is changing the way many activities are carried out, so Tanzania must prepare by developing professionals with skills that are in line with current needs.
“Technology is bringing about a major revolution in the mining sector. We need skills and innovation so that Tanzanians can compete and take advantage of emerging opportunities,” he said.
Geita Gold Mine Limited (GGML) supply chain manager Representative Mr Cyprian Mtweve said their mine has been allowing students from various universities in the country, including the University of Dar-es-Salaam (UDSM), to conduct practical training and research in the mine.
He said in 2024 they achieved connection to the National Grid through the Tanzania Electricity Company (TANESCO), which has helped their mine reduce fuel costs.
He said that in the participation of Tanzanians in the mining sector, their mine has been able to employ some indigenous companies such as Blue Coast in the transport sector and the State Oil Company.
He advised that when mining products are produced in the country, there is a great deal of certainty in the availability of products. He has asked the Government to help reduce the price of mining products.
The Acting Director of the Vocational Education and Training Authority(VETA), Engineer Audiface Tarimo, has said that the institution continues to strengthen training aimed at producing professionals with modern skills to meet the growing needs in the mining sector in the country.
He said the move aims to keep pace with the growth of the mining sector as well as the extensive use of modern technologies in mining activities, thus increasing the availability of skilled technicians capable of working in modern mines.
Engineer Tarimo said VETA, in collaboration with the Tanzania Chamber of Mines (TCM), launched in 2008 the Integrated Mining Technical Training (IMTT) Program for the Mining Sector at the VETA Moshi Academy, Kilimanjaro Region.
He said the program was launched to respond to the needs of the mining sector to obtain professionals with practical skills, the ability to use modern technologies, and work in a mining environment based on safety and productivity standards.
In addition, he said that due to the rapid development of technology in mines, VETA has prepared six new training programs for the operation of modern machinery used in underground mining.
And the University of Dodoma (UDOM) instructor Dr. Moriss Hijji said that their college has a procedure to send their students to the college to learn about mining in practice at the Geita Gold Mine Limited (GGML) and North Mara mines.
