The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects by mining companies tangibly benefit communities surrounding mining operations.
Resident Mines Officer for Simiyu Region, Mayigi Makolobela, made the remarks during a recent inspection of ongoing CSR initiatives by various mining companies in the region.
He said these projects have significantly improved access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and electricity.
“The Government recognises the immense contribution of the mining sector to national economic growth and community livelihoods. That is why we stress that all mining companies, including small-scale operators, must fulfill their social obligations through CSR projects so that local communities directly benefit from the resources around them,” Makolobela said.
Among the leading CSR contributors in the region is EMJ Mining Company, based in Dutwa. The company’s Director, Masanga Silanga, said EMJ Mining, which operates in partnership with Chinese investors, has boosted operational efficiency and introduced advanced mining technology.
Silanga explained that the company produces an average of 10 kilogrammes of gold per month, depending on the availability of ore-bearing rock. However, production is sometimes limited by the presence of narrow gold veins.
EMJ Mining has invested heavily in community development. Projects include donating 50 desks and 2,000 bricks to Dutwa Primary School, supplying printers and photocopy machines to educational institutions, and contributing 2,000 bricks to support the construction of Nguno Hospital.
The company has also implemented a major electricity extension project connecting Dutwa to nearby villages previously without power.
“So far, we have invested more than USD 50,000 in CSR initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of local communities,” Silanga said.
The company’s Mine Manager, Noah Wang, highlighted operational challenges caused by the shortage of ore-bearing rock, which has affected production capacity.
“Our plant can process up to 500 tonnes of rock per day, but due to current shortages, we are operating below capacity. Some machines have been temporarily shut down, and at the moment, only one shaft is operational, resulting in a noticeable decline in production,” he said.
EMJ Mining currently employs 48 workers, including 30 Tanzanians and 18 Chinese nationals, all working under a rotational shift system.
The efforts of EMJ Mining and other companies in Simiyu underscore the growing impact of CSR in Tanzania’s mining sector, aligning with the Government’s vision of translating natural resource wealth into tangible benefits for local communities.
