By The Respondent Reporter
Workers in the Ministry of Minerals and its affiliated institutions have been urged to demonstrate dedication and patriotism in their work to safeguard the national economy from external policy changes.
Speaking today, February 8, 2025, at a sports bonanza organized by the Mining Commission and the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) at John Merlin Secondary School grounds in Dodoma, Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr. Steven Kiruswa, emphasized the importance of preserving and valuing Tanzania’s vast natural resources.
He called on mining sector workers to prioritize teamwork and collaboration to ensure the country's economy remains strong.
"The United Arab Emirates has become wealthy from just one resource—oil. We, on the other hand, have a wealth of resources.
As stewards of the mining sector, we must work together with commitment and patriotism to maximize their benefits," said Dr. Kiruswa.
He further highlighted that achieving the goal of the mining sector contributing 10% to the national GDP requires increased dedication and effort.
"We must tighten our belts to reach the 10% target. There isn’t much time left, although we have already made significant progress," he noted.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals, Engineer Yahya Samamba, urged employees to remain committed, hardworking, and patriotic.
He emphasized that their dedication is essential to ensuring the mining sector significantly contributes to national development and improves the livelihoods of citizens.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Mining Commission, Janet Lekashingo, encouraged mining sector employees to prioritize their health by exercising regularly to prevent non-communicable diseases.
During the event, Lekashingo presented a special award to the Executive Secretary of the Mining Commission, Engineer Ramadhani Lwamo, in recognition of his outstanding leadership, wisdom, and kindness.
She highlighted that his dedication and integrity led President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan to officially confirm him as the Executive Secretary of the Mining Commission on January 15, 2025.
In a related event, Deputy Minister Kiruswa presented awards and gifts to retired leaders, including a farewell tribute to former Mining Commission Chairperson, Professor Idris Kikula, and former Commissioner of the Mining Commission, Professor Abdulkarim Mruma.
Winners of various sports competitions were also honored with trophies and medals, marking the conclusion of the bonanza.
The institutions under the Ministry of Minerals include the Mining Commission, the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO), the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST), the Tanzania Gemological Center (TGC), and the Tanzania Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (TEITI).
