Tanzania has recorded significant growth in its mining sector, with small-scale miners playing an increasingly vital role.
In Geita Region alone, miners produced over 22,000 kilograms of minerals valued at TZS 3.44 trillion between 2021/2022 and 2024/2025, contributing TZS 2.5 billion in government revenue.
The contribution of small-scale miners to the sector’s total revenue has doubled, rising from 20% in 2020 to 40% in 2024. Meanwhile, the mining sector’s contribution to the national GDP increased from 6.8% in 2020 to 10% in 2024.
Speaking on September 28, 2025, at the Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan Bombambili Grounds in Geita during the 9th Mining Technology and Investment Expo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, congratulated small-scale miners and the Ministry of Minerals for their achievements.
The expo carried the theme: “Mining Sector Growth is the Result of Proper Technology and Good Leadership / Participate in the October 2025 General Election.”
“I commend the Ministry of Minerals for effectively managing the sector, and Tanzanian small-scale miners for their remarkable achievements. You have demonstrated that when given the opportunity, Tanzanians can accomplish great things,” Dr. Biteko said.
He added that technological advancements have transformed mineral processing, especially for small-scale miners.
Modern techniques such as Carbon-In-Leach (CIL), Carbon-In-Pulp (CIP), and Froth Flotation (FF) have proven safer and more productive than traditional mercury methods, which pose health and environmental risks.
Thanks to these technological innovations and strong sector management, the government collected TZS 3.8 trillion from the mining sector between 2020/2021 and 2024/2025.
Dr. Biteko also highlighted government initiatives to increase mineral value addition. Eight copper and nickel processing plants operate in Dodoma, one copper smelting plant in Chunya, and six gold refining facilities are active in Geita, Mwanza, and Shinyanga-Kahama.
“I call on miners and the Ministry to continue innovating and empowering Tanzanians to add value to the minerals they produce. This will increase foreign exchange earnings and create jobs in value-addition industries,” he emphasized.
He reassured stakeholders that under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, the government will maintain an enabling environment for mining, including extending electricity to key mining areas.
Geita Regional Commissioner Martin Shigella praised the President for supporting the sector, noting that permanent infrastructure for the expo including nine exhibition pavilions has been completed.
This year’s expo drew 930 participants, including international visitors, compared to 600 last year.
Small-scale miners have received 9,000 licenses, enabling production of over 22,000 tons of minerals. Zanzibar’s Chief Secretary, Engineer Zena Said, encouraged stakeholders to leverage financial institutions for training on finance and investment.
Msafiri Mbibo, Deputy Parmanent Secretary of the Ministry of Minerals, said the expo provides valuable education on safe mining practices and the responsible use of mercury.
Dr. Janet Lekashingo, Chairperson of the Mining Commission, added that Tanzania’s mining sector is now attracting investment for local manufacturing of spare parts, supporting the country’s industrialization agenda.
Lenard Bugomola, Chairperson of Small-Scale Miners, said Geita continues to lead in gold production and requested STAMICO to provide two additional mining machines.
Earlier, Dr. Biteko toured exhibition stands, including the Geological and Mining Research Institute, AngloGold Ashanti, STAMICO, the Tanzania Women Miners Association (TAWOMA), and Mwamba Mining, learning about modern mineral extraction technologies.