By The Respondent Reporter
Katoro, Geita — For years, small-scale miners in Tanzania struggled in silence facing bureaucratic bottlenecks, a lack of equipment, and limited access to markets.
But under the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, their voices are finally being heard, and their dreams are starting to take shape.
This was the overwhelming sentiment during a large public gathering held in Katoro, Geita Region, where hundreds of miners and mineral traders united to express gratitude for what they called a “historic turnaround” in the sector.
The event, led by the Geita Regional Miners Association (GEREMA), was both celebratory and symbolic a reflection of how far the region’s mining economy has come in just four years.
“We are witnessing real change,” said Titus Kabuo, Chairperson of GEREMA. “President Samia has created an environment where small-scale miners are respected, supported, and seen as critical players in national development. We now access licenses faster, and the government is listening to our needs.”
John Bina, President of the Federation of Miners Associations of Tanzania (FEMATA), echoed this, pointing to how the government has actively responded to long-standing challenges.
“Before, it would take years to get a mining license. Today, thanks to reforms under President Samia, miners across Tanzania including in Geita can formalize their work more easily. That has changed lives,” Bina said.
Minister for Minerals, Hon. Anthony Mavunde, delivered a keynote speech at the gathering, outlining 16 key achievements driven by President Samia’s administration.
Chief among them was the increase in the mining sector’s contribution to the national GDP, now at 10.1 percent, a sharp rise from previous years.
He also highlighted improved revenue collections nearing TZS 1 trillion, and the acquisition of 15 drilling rigs designated to support small-scale operations.
“The President’s vision has been clear to ensure that the benefits of our mineral wealth reach the grassroots,” said Minister Mavunde.
“We’re not only talking about gold production; we’re talking about community empowerment, formalization of artisanal miners, and structured access to markets.”
In a significant policy shift, the Minister also announced the government’s decision to elevate the gold-buying center in Katoro into a fully-fledged Gold Market, a move expected to boost trade volumes, increase transparency, and improve earnings for local miners.
Geita Regional Commissioner Martin R. Shigela assured miners that the regional government is fully aligned with national efforts to uplift the sector.
“So far, we’ve issued more than 5,300 mining licenses to support legal operations,” he said. “We’re also working on better infrastructure and access to tools that will make mining safer and more productive.”
The event also drew praise from lawmakers, with Geita Rural MP Joseph Msukuma stating: “What the President has done is not only good for miners it’s good for the entire regional economy. Families now have income, and communities are developing.”
Similarly, Busanda MP Tumaini Magesa described the reforms as “transformational,” adding: “We are proud that Geita is now seen as a model region for small-scale mining, thanks to visionary leadership from the top.”
As the sun set over Katoro, it was clear that this was more than a political rally it was a moment of recognition and renewed hope.
President Samia’s reforms are doing more than boosting gold production; they are restoring dignity and unlocking prosperity for thousands of Tanzanians who mine not just for wealth, but for a better future.
