The District Commissioner of Chunya, Mbarak Alhaji Batenga, has unveiled comprehensive strategies to boost mining activities in the district, including the construction of a 90-megawatt power generation substation.
The initiative aims to address the persistent energy challenges affecting mining operations and other sectors.
In an exclusive interview with Madini Diary on October 9, 2025, Batenga said the new power station will be located in Makongorosi, Chunya, and will serve both Chunya and Songwe regions.
He highlighted major mining projects such as the new Shanta-New Luika mine, Anglo De Beers’ processing plant on the Chunya-Songwe border, and the newly expanded Porcupine North mine in Chunya.
Currently, the district consumes only 9 megawatts, while actual demand exceeds 90 megawatts.
“Through this substation, we will initially generate 45 megawatts to facilitate modern mining at affordable costs, which will attract more investment. Our miners urgently need electricity, and I have received numerous requests to extend power to their areas. I will personally ensure this happens,” emphasized DC Batenga.
Given the high energy demand, especially from mining activities, he urged the Rural Energy Agency (REA) to prioritize electricity distribution in areas with mining operations before expanding to other locations.
This approach, he said, would reduce production costs, increase output, and further attract investment to the district, which is blessed with rich mineral resources.
He also noted the entry of Anglo De Beers into Chunya, which has begun mining operations in Songwe’s Mbangala area.
Hon. Batenga expressed gratitude to President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for prioritizing the mining sector, particularly small-scale miners.
He revealed that over 1,500 licenses have been issued to small-scale miners in the district and called for continued issuance of undeveloped licenses to allow miners willing to develop them to proceed.
He also appealed to the Ministry of Minerals to conduct further geological surveys to identify new mineral-rich areas, enabling miners to operate with certainty.
Highlighting the high costs of rock crushing, he recommended the provision of affordable machinery to help small-scale miners cover exploration expenses.
“We don’t only mine gold. Currently, there is a copper processing plant, so I urge miners to diversify into these minerals,” he added.
DC Batenga further described the unique characteristics of Chunya’s two wards, Kiwanja and Kipambawe, noting that Kiwanja is specialized in mining activities while Kipambawe focuses on tobacco farming.
“There is no mining in Kipambawe, and tobacco does not thrive in Kiwanja. Small-scale food crops are cultivated there,” he explained.
On the contribution of these sectors, he revealed that Chunya currently contributes 60 percent of development funds to the central government, up from 40 percent in previous years.
“We anticipate that within the next five years, Chunya’s contribution will rise to 80 percent, driven by mining and tobacco revenues. At present, the council benefits from about TZS 5 billion generated by these two key sectors,” he conclud