The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Minerals, Engineer Yahya Samamba, has called on the Mining Commission to come up with strategies to help small-scale miners grow into medium and large-scale operators.
Speaking today, March 22, 2025, in Mbeya during the opening of the Second Workers’ Council meeting of the Mining Commission, he emphasized the need to uplift small-scale miners so they can own bigger mining businesses.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Tanzania Union of Government and Health Employees (TUGHE), the management of the Mining Commission, and regional mining officers.
Engineer Samamba highlighted the government’s continued efforts to support small-scale miners. These include setting up mineral markets and buying centers to ensure a stable market, linking miners with financial institutions for loans, providing education on safe mining practices, and increasing local participation in the mining sector through local content regulations.
"Our goal is to see small-scale miners grow into bigger businesses. This will create more jobs for Tanzanians, increase local purchases, and boost government revenues through taxes and levies," he said.
He also urged the Mining Commission to adopt modern technology to improve service delivery, especially in revenue collection and issuing mining licenses.
On revenue collection, he noted that since the Mining Commission was established, there has been a significant increase in government revenue from the sector. As a result, the government has raised its annual revenue collection targets.
"The government has great confidence in the Mining Commission, which is why the revenue targets are being increased every year. As the Ministry of Minerals, we will continue to improve working conditions, including upgrading offices, providing more equipment like vehicles, and purchasing machines for testing minerals at markets," he explained.
He also pointed out that the mining sector’s contribution to the national economy has grown to 9%, with a target of reaching 10% by June this year.
Additionally, Engineer Samamba praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan for prioritizing the mining sector.
He also acknowledged the leadership of Minister of Minerals Anthony Mavunde, Deputy Minister Dr. Steven Kiruswa, Deputy Permanent Secretary Msafiri Mbibo, Mining Commission Chairperson Janet Lekashingo, and the Commission’s staff for their dedication.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Mining Commission, Engineer Ramadhani Lwamo, said strong cooperation from the Ministry of Minerals has played a key role in the Commission’s success.
He reported that in the 2024/2025 financial year, from July to date, the Commission has collected TZS 750 billion, which is 75% of the government’s target of TZS 1 trillion.
He assured that the Mining Commission will continue to work hard and find innovative ways to ensure Tanzanians benefit from the country’s mineral resources.