Small-scale miners in Singida Region have applauded President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her administration’s remarkable strides in the mining sector, citing improved licensing processes and a conducive environment that has boosted productivity and compliance.
The commendation came during the Singida and Central Zone Small-Scale Miners’ Forum held at Sekenke One in Shelui, Iramba District, on August 23, 2025.
The event brought together key stakeholders, with Minerals Minister Anthony Mavunde as the guest of honor.
Miners credited the government’s intervention in revoking and repossessing 2,648 dormant mining licenses and applications, which were later redistributed to small-scale miners.
They said the move has curbed illegal operations and conflicts over mining areas, enabling legal and structured mining activities.
“This initiative has restored fairness and transparency in the sector, ensuring that legitimate small-scale miners access opportunities,” said John Bina, President of the Federation of Miners Associations of Tanzania (FEMATA).
He noted that over six million small-scale miners are actively contributing to the economy, accounting for up to 40 percent of mineral revenue.
Minister Mavunde outlined the government’s ambitious strategy to enhance geological surveys and exploration.
He said the plan aims to expand detailed mineral research coverage from the current 16 percent to 50 percent by 2030, under the Vision 2030 agenda themed “Mining is Life and Wealth.”
“The government has allocated more than Sh115 billion for mineral exploration, including the acquisition of a specialized helicopter equipped with advanced technology for aerial surveys. We are also establishing modern laboratories for mineral analysis to support small-scale miners,” he said.
The minister also revealed that major mining companies are positioning themselves to invest in a large-scale gold mine in the Central Zone, covering parts of Dodoma and Singida regions.
This development is expected to spur job creation, increase government revenue, and cement mining as a leading driver of Tanzania’s economic growth.
Singida Regional Commissioner Halima Dendego highlighted the sector’s significant contribution to the local economy, noting that mining remains the region’s fastest-growing economic pillar.
“Mining is the economic engine of Singida, and much of this success is due to small-scale miners who now operate under favorable conditions. As a result, Singida has surpassed its government revenue targets,” she said.
Confirming this progress, Singida’s Resident Mining Officer, Engineer Sabai Nyansiri, reported that the region collected Sh26 billion in mineral revenue during the 2024/25 financial year, against a target of Sh24 billion.
Stakeholders at the forum expressed optimism that continued reforms and investments will strengthen Tanzania’s mining sector, positioning it as a major contributor to the country’s industrialization and job creation efforts.