By The Respondent Reporter - Singida
The government has launched a new initiative aimed at empowering women and youth to actively participate in the country’s mining sector while promoting safe and environmentally sustainable practices.
The programme, titled “Smart and Sustainable Mining for Future Generations,” is being implemented through the Mining Commission and focuses on supporting small-scale miners in construction minerals such as aggregates.
Under this initiative, women and youth are encouraged to form groups, apply for mining licenses, and access loans.
The ultimate goal is to strengthen economic inclusion at the grassroots level while ensuring mining operations are carried out professionally, safely, and in line with environmental standards.
During training sessions held in Utaho A and Isalanda villages in Singida Region, Geologist Geofrey Mutagwa from the Regional Mining Office said the programme seeks to bridge the knowledge and opportunity gap that has long limited the participation of women and youth in the sector.
“Safe mining practices are not just about avoiding accidents, they’re also about protecting people’s lives, government revenue, and the environment,” said Mr Mutagwa.
He noted that small-scale miners are being educated on modern extraction techniques, the importance of registering their operations, and the need to comply with government regulations, including the payment of a 4 percent royalty on construction minerals.
Mr. Mutagwa also warned against illegal trade in minerals and reminded miners that tax payments should be made through official POS systems available at mining offices.
He urged communities to report tax evasion in line with Section 87 of the Mining Act, which mandates strict enforcement.
Engineer Lameck Maduhu, the region’s Mine and Explosives Inspector, emphasized the importance of protective equipment, saying that economic gains from mining should never come at the cost of human life.
“Income from mining only makes sense if miners stay alive and healthy. Wearing the right gear—boots, helmets, overalls, and masks—is a non-negotiable safety requirement. Flip-flops have no place in mining sites,” said Eng. Maduhu.
He also cautioned against the careless use of explosives and the destruction of forests, urging miners to adopt responsible land and environmental management practices.
The initiative has already started transforming the mindset of miners like Jenifa Mtandu, a construction minerals extractor from Utaho A village.
She said the training helped her understand the value of group registration, access to credit, and legal compliance.
“This training opened our eyes. We now know how to get loans, work in teams, and operate within the law. We can see a more secure future ahead,” she said.
The initiative is being supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which sees small-scale mining as a critical sector for inclusive economic development.
The focus on construction minerals is strategic, given their importance in infrastructure development across Tanzania.
With this programme, the government is aiming not only to raise individual incomes and formalize the artisanal mining sector but also to ensure that mining contributes to the broader goals of poverty reduction, environmental conservation, and generational sustainability.
As the sector continues to grow, initiatives like this are expected to drive long-term reforms by building a more inclusive, responsible, and modern mining industry in Tanzania.