The Deputy Minister says the government is committed to fostering an environment of trust and professionalism in the mining sector. Photo: Courtesy
By The Respondent reporter
The sixth-phase government has implemented strategic initiatives to empower small-scale miners. These include allocating mining areas, providing subsidized exploration services through the State Mining Corporation (Stamico), and coordinating affordable loans through successful negotiations with financial institutions and banks.
The initiative aims to uplift small-scale miners and curb illegal mineral smuggling out of the country. Deputy Minister of Minerals, Dr. Steven Kiruswa, emphasized the government's zero-tolerance policy towards illegal mining activities.
He warned that miners and mineral traders found violating mining laws or engaging in smuggling would face severe penalties, including license revocation, asset confiscation, and permanent bans from engaging in the mining business within Tanzania.
Dr. Kiruswa urged small-scale miners to take advantage of subsidized exploration drilling services offered by Stamico and to use social media platforms to discuss constructive ideas rather than disputes. He emphasized that Femata, as a business federation, must focus on advancing its members’ interests and uniting for progress.
Speaking at a meeting with leaders and the executive committee of the Federation of Miners Associations of Tanzania (Femata) in Dar es Salaam, Dr. Kiruswa expressed the government’s expectation that the new Femata leadership will address smuggling and educate miners on the importance of paying taxes.
He noted that tax revenues from mining are crucial for funding national development projects that benefit communities.
He reiterated that the government is committed to fostering an environment of trust and professionalism in the mining sector. Those failing to comply with the law, he warned, would face severe consequences, including license revocation and forfeiture of assets.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals, Engineer Yahaya, reaffirmed the government’s efforts to create an enabling environment for all mining groups. This includes providing mining areas and facilitating affordable loans through partnerships with financial institutions.
Femata President John Bina, meanwhile, stated that the meeting aimed to enhance the capacity of Femata leaders to fulfill their roles more effectively. He assured the Deputy Minister that Femata would continue educating small-scale miners on the importance of tax compliance and utilizing legal markets and trading centers for their benefit and that of the nation.
Bina also expressed gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for creating a conducive investment environment, including favorable conditions for small-scale miners to thrive.
