The Mining Commission has urged small-scale miners to strictly adhere to safety laws, regulations, and expert guidelines to curb the rising number of accidents reported in mining areas.
Speaking at the launch of a safety training program for miners and sector stakeholders from Simiyu and Mara regions in Bariadi, Commission Commissioner Engineer Theonestina Mwasha emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering small-scale miners.
“The Ministry of Minerals is dedicated to equipping miners with knowledge, tools, and technology to help them transition from small-scale to medium and eventually large-scale mining operations,” Engineer Mwasha said.
She highlighted that the training aims to build technical capacity to address the safety challenges that continue to plague the mining sector.
“Safety at mining sites is paramount. This training focuses on the Mining Act and workplace safety regulations that every miner must follow to protect their lives and those of their colleagues,” she added.
Engineer Mwasha also warned against the unsafe use of chemicals, particularly mercury, which has caused irreversible damage to human health and the environment in some mining communities.
Chief Mining Inspector Engineer Hamis Kamando noted that many mining accidents result from negligence and failure to comply with established safety procedures.
“Fatalities and serious injuries often stem from rockfalls, slips on ladders, and poor ventilation underground. It is the responsibility of mine supervisors to enforce strict safety protocols,” Engineer Kamando said.
On his part, Simiyu Regional Small-Scale Miners Association Vice Chairman, Mashauri Ntizu, expressed gratitude for the training initiative.
“These sessions provide practical solutions to our challenges. We have gained valuable knowledge on laws, safety standards, and best practices that will help us work more safely,” Ntizu said.
The Mining Commission plans to roll out similar safety trainings across other regions as part of the government’s broader strategy to improve working conditions in the mining sector and increase its contribution to the national economy.