By Charles Mkoka
The Minister of Minerals, Mr. Anthony Mavunde, has called on Regional Mining Officers to intensify enforcement of mining laws to prevent conflicts among miners and reduce the risks of accidents in mining and processing operations.
Speaking at a Mining Commission management meeting today, November 18, 2024, Mr. Mavunde emphasized the importance of adhering to legal frameworks to maintain safety and efficiency in the mining sector.
The meeting focused on developing strategies to enhance revenue collection, streamline operations, and strengthen the mining trade's growing contribution to the national GDP.
Mr. Mavunde praised the officers’ efforts in revenue collection, urging them to remain innovative in addressing challenges such as revenue leakage. “Continued enforcement of the law has brought us this far, and we must persist to achieve even greater milestones,” he said.
Engineer Yahya Samamba, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Minerals, underscored the urgency of frequent mine inspections during the rainy season to prevent disasters.
"From now until April, we must be vigilant. Mines that fail to meet safety standards should be closed until improvements are made. We cannot tolerate preventable deaths caused by negligence,” Engineer Samamba stated.
Deputy Permanent Secretary Msafiri Mbibo reinforced the ministry’s ambitions for the sector, urging officers to focus on achieving the Sh 1 trillion revenue target and contributing 10% to the national GDP by 2025.
"Thorough control, strict enforcement of laws, and innovative approaches will not only meet but surpass our goals. The mining sector is pivotal to our national economy," Mbibo asserted.
In addition, he directed officials to ramp up efforts to curb mineral smuggling, particularly at border points and airports.
The Ministry of Minerals remains steadfast in its commitment to the sustainable growth of the mining sector, aiming for a secure, efficient, and globally competitive industry that significantly contributes to Tanzania's economic development.
