Tanzania’s government, in partnership with the private sector, plans to establish rental centers offering modern mining equipment to small-scale miners, aiming to increase productivity and output in the mineral sector.
The initiative was announced on Friday by Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde at the closing of a mining exhibition in Musoma, Mara Region.
The move seeks to address the challenge that many small miners cannot afford to buy or maintain advanced machinery.
“President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed the Ministry of Minerals to implement this program to provide miners access to modern technology,” Mavunde said.
In addition to the rental centers, the government will open a mineral processing education center equipped with advanced machinery in Nyamongo, Tarime district, to provide training and support to miners.
Mavunde said the program is expected to increase miners’ incomes and boost government revenue from the sector.
Mara region has produced nearly 59 tonnes of gold worth about 6.9 trillion Tanzanian shillings (approximately $2.8 billion) over the past four years, according to regional mining official Amin Msuya.
John Wambura Bina, president of the Tanzania Small-Scale Miners Association, praised the government’s efforts and urged miners to comply with regulations aimed at protecting their interests.
Mara Regional Commissioner Evans Mtambi said the mining sector currently contributes about 18% to the region’s GDP and pledged to hold the conference annually to foster growth.
