The Weights and Measures Agency (WMA) has called on mineral traders in Geita Region to ensure they use verified and accurate measuring instruments in their transactions to guarantee fairness for all parties and to prevent losses on either side.
The appeal was made on September 25, 2025, by WMA Geita Regional Manager, Ms. Eva Ikula, during a press briefing at the ongoing International Mining Technology Exhibition being held at the Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan grounds in Geita.
Ikula said the Agency plays a critical role in the mining sector since mineral trade cannot take place without verified and properly calibrated weighing scales.
“In the mining sector, one of WMA’s key responsibilities is to ensure all scales used for buying and selling minerals and gemstones are verified and provide accurate readings,” she explained.
She added that the Agency also offers professional guidance on the types of scales suitable for mineral trading, noting that not all scales are approved for such transactions.
“For the 2025/2026 financial year, Geita Region plans to verify 197 scales used in the mining sector. So far, in the first quarter alone, a total of 37 scales have been verified and found to comply with the Weights and Measures Act, Chapter 340, making them fit for use in mineral trading,” she said.
Geita Region currently has 10 designated gold trading centers located in Geita Town, Katoro, Chato, Lwamgasa, Nyarugusu, Mbogwe, Bukombe, Nyang’wale, Mgusu, and Nyakagwe.
According to Ikula, WMA regularly conducts surprise inspections at these centers to ensure compliance, and any user found tampering with measuring instruments faces legal action in line with the law.
Senior WMA Communications Officer, Mr. Paulus Oluochi, also urged the public to visit the Agency’s pavilion at the exhibition to learn more about measurement standards and obtain professional advice.
He added that anyone facing challenges with measuring instruments should promptly report the matter to the nearest WMA office for assistance, noting that WMA has offices across all regions of mainland Tanzania. Complaints may also be lodged through the toll-free line: 0800 110097