The government has disbursed a total of TZS 51.42 billion in loans to 127 artisanal miners across the country between July 2024 and March 2025, as part of a nationwide drive to empower small-scale miners with capital and improve the productivity, safety, and efficiency of the sector.
This was revealed on Sunday, July 6, by the Deputy Minister of Minerals, Dr Steven Kiruswa, during the official closing of a week-long skills development training for 467 artisanal miners in Geita Region.
The programme was jointly implemented by the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities) and the Ministry of Minerals.
Dr Kiruswa said the initiative reflects the Sixth Phase Government’s continued commitment to formalising and strengthening the artisanal mining sector, which contributes about 40 percent of domestic mineral revenue.
“We are deliberately investing in the capacity of small-scale miners because we understand their vital role in driving local economies and generating revenue,” he said.
“Beyond training, the government is also facilitating access to tools and equipment to support safer and more productive mining practices.”he added
The government’s support extends beyond financial access. According to Ms Alana Nchimbi, Assistant Director in the Employment and Skills Development Department under the Prime Minister’s Office, the National Skills Development Programme launched in 2016 has so far reached 157,909 beneficiaries at a cost of TSh111.3 billion.
“For the current fiscal year 2024/25 alone, TSh10.8 billion was allocated to the programme,” Ms Nchimbi said.
“Among the beneficiaries, 479 are small-scale miners from Geita, who have received both practical and theoretical training.”he added
The training covered modern prospecting and mining techniques, the responsible use of chemicals and equipment, environmental conservation, and occupational health and safety. More than 200 miners from different zones of Geita Region participated.
Representing the local mining community, Geita Small-Scale Miners’ Chairperson Mr Titus Kabuo commended the government for its hands-on approach and continued presence on the ground.
“This partnership with the Ministry of Minerals and the Prime Minister’s Office is a testament to the government’s genuine commitment to transform artisanal mining from informal operations into a more professional and productive sector,” he said.
The programme is part of broader national efforts to increase the formalisation of small-scale mining, improve environmental safeguards, and promote inclusive economic growth within the extractive industry.