The Mayanga Factory in Handeni town, Tanga Region, is transforming the lives of small-scale dolomite miners from Kwedikwazu village and nearby areas by providing them with a stable market for their minerals.
Before the factory opened, miners struggled to sell their dolomite at fair prices and often had to transport it long distances, earning very little.
The establishment of Mayanga Factory has changed this, ensuring better income and more secure markets for miners.
“The Mayanga Factory has given us hope. Now we have a guaranteed market and better prices, unlike before when we struggled to transport our minerals far away. We thank the government and stakeholders for supporting us,” said Ashura Mohamed, a small-scale miner in Kwedikwazu.
Traders in the area say the factory has not only benefited miners but also small businesses dealing in dolomite.
They are urging the government and development partners to continue investing in similar factories to create jobs and increase the value of local resources.
“This factory has opened doors for us too. We hope the government and investors continue building factories to expand markets and boost the value of our minerals,” said Rajabu Makamba, a local dolomite trader.
The factory has also created jobs for youth and other residents in Handeni, offering opportunities in mining, transportation, processing, and other factory operations. This has helped reduce unemployment and improved the livelihoods of many families in the area.
Mayanga Factory Managing Director Leonard Kimaro, popularly known as Mayangwa, said the factory has also stimulated small businesses around Handeni, including transport, accommodation, and food services, boosting the local economy.
“We produce lime, raw materials for paint, and fertilizer. Our main market is within Tanzania, but we plan to increase production and eventually explore international markets,” Kimaro said.
Tanga Regional Mineral Officer, Engineer Laurent Bujashi, said the government is creating a favorable environment for investors in the industrial minerals sector.
He encouraged both local and foreign investors to take advantage of opportunities in dolomite, kaolin, feldspar, limestone, and other minerals available in Tanga Region.