Tanzania is stepping up efforts to transform its mining sector from raw mineral export to local processing, a move expected to create thousands of jobs, strengthen local industries, and boost government revenues.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Minerals, Engineer Yahya Samamba, told officials from the Mining Commission in Tanga, that value addition is key to ensuring that the country fully benefits from its mineral resources.
“Our minerals should benefit Tanzanians directly. When we process our resources locally, we create jobs, grow businesses, increase government revenues, and expand the economy,” Engineer Samamba said during a management meeting attended by the Mining Commission Chairperson, Dr. Janet Lekashingo, Commissioners Engineer Theonestina Mwasha and Dr. Theresia Numbi, Executive Secretary Engineer Ramadhani Lwamo, and other senior officials.
He urged regional mining officers to collaborate with local governments and other institutions to attract both local and foreign investors to set up processing plants in Tanzania.
He stressed that creating a friendly investment environment through simplified licensing, improved infrastructure, and clear policies will encourage investment and benefit the economy.
Engineer Samamba also emphasized the importance of supporting small-scale miners, who form the backbone of Tanzania’s mining industry.
He called for providing them with training, access to geological information from the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST), and linkages to the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) and financial institutions to improve their productivity and income.
“Helping small-scale miners is a win-win. It creates jobs, boosts local spending, and allows the government to collect more taxes, which can then improve education, health, roads, and water services,” he noted.
The Permanent Secretary also highlighted the role of the Tanzania Mining Service Providers Association (TAMISA) in ensuring that local Tanzanians supply more goods and services to the mining industry, increasing local participation through the Local Content Program.
Safety and environmental protection were another key focus. Engineer Samamba instructed regional mining officers to conduct regular inspections, educate miners on safety, and enforce environmental standards to prevent accidents and damage. He stressed fairness in resolving disputes among small-scale miners.
As Tanzania prepares for the general election on October 29, 2025, he urged Mining Commission staff to actively participate in the voting process.
The Mining Commission Chairperson, Dr. Janet Lekashingo, and Executive Secretary, Engineer Ramadhani Lwamo, commended the Ministry of Minerals for providing resources such as vehicles, funds, and staff support, which have enabled the Commission to improve revenue collection.
In the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year (July–September), the Mining Commission collected TZS 315.4 billion, surpassing the target of TZS 299.99 billion, equivalent to 105.13 percent performance.
Officials called on regional mining officers to continue working innovatively and diligently to help the Commission achieve and surpass its annual target of TZS 1.2 trillion.
The government’s push to add value to minerals aims to create jobs, stimulate local economies, and position Tanzania as a competitive player in the global mining industry, turning the country’s natural resources into lasting benefits for its people.