Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to supporting Tanzania’s mining sector, aiming to accelerate its growth and maximize its economic impact.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam when representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the Sixth International Mining Conference, the premier highlighted new government efforts to enhance the sector’s infrastructure, policy environment, and overall performance. The 3-day conference has commenced today.
Majaliwa noted that the government has increased the sector’s energy capacity, improved transportation routes for mineral exports, and bolstered airline support.
The steps, he said, are part of a broader strategy to strengthen the mining industry as a key economic pillar.
The conference, themed "Value Addition for Sustainable Development of Our Country," will feature innovations in eco-friendly mining technology, aiming to attract foreign investment, foster collaboration, and improve resource management within Tanzania’s mining sector.
Majaliwa highlighted the importance of local value addition for maximizing benefits from Tanzania's mineral wealth.
“Currently, our country is not fully benefiting from mineral extraction because value addition activities largely occur abroad, depriving us of the economic value we could achieve locally. To address this, the government is working to improve the local business environment by reviewing policies, laws, and regulations to tackle these challenges,” Majaliwa said.
The Prime Minister also announced that the government would continue to invest in modern drilling machinery to further support mining operations, encouraging stakeholders to trust the government's commitment to bolstering the sector.
Minister for Minerals Antony Mavunde also revealed a budget increase for the ministry from TZS 89 billion to TZS 231 billion.
He explained that the additional funds will go towards strengthening the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) with modern laboratories in Dodoma, Geita, and Chunya, benefitting both small-scale and large-scale miners.
Furthermore, Mavunde announced that five new regional drilling machines have already been acquired, with an additional 10 expected to arrive by November. These machines will further aid miners in their operations.
Vice President of the Federation of Miners' Associations of Tanzania (FEMATA) Victor Tesha urged the government to increase the number of mining machines, ensuring each district receives at least one.
He also advocated for small-scale mining licenses and government subsidies for FEMATA members, emphasizing that small-scale miners have the potential to contribute up to 40% of the national revenue.
With substantial investments, policy improvements, and infrastructure advancements underway, Tanzania’s mining sector is set on a path toward sustainable growth and enhanced economic impact.
