Small-scale miners in Simiyu Region are calling on the government and financial institutions to support them with permanent electricity and low-interest loans, saying these measures are crucial to boosting gold production and sustaining livelihoods.
Anisia Japhet, a female miner and member of the Tanzania Women Miners Association (TAWOMA), said relying on diesel to power machinery has become costly and limits productivity.
“We use diesel, which is very expensive. About 80 liters are consumed within 24 hours. With permanent electricity, we could reduce costs and produce more efficiently,” she said.
Anisia stressed that mining is not only a men’s activity but also a pathway for women to secure their families’ future.
“As a woman, mining has allowed me to educate my children and support my household. Every month, we extract around 100 sacks of stones, and each sack can yield a gram or more of gold,” she explained.
Paul Ntalima, Manager of TAWOMA Mine, said the association owns 24 production sites, but only 14 are operational due to high running costs.
“Small-scale miners could double productivity if provided with affordable loans. We currently employ over 400 young people and women. This sector does not only generate income; it also strengthens community livelihoods. With grid electricity, production could increase two to three times,” Ntalima said.
Similarly, Mussa Kazidijshi, Managing Director of Ludovic Mlalo & Partners Mine, said his mine employs over 200 workers and continues to contribute to local development projects, including road construction.
“The community benefits, especially during the rainy season when roads are improved, and health risks are reduced. With access to low-interest loans and reliable electricity, our production could triple,” Kazidijshi said.
Simiyu Regional Mining Officer, Mayigi Makolobela, said the government, through the Minerals Commission and TANESCO, is working to ensure all small-scale mining areas in the region receive permanent electricity.
“TANESCO has pledged to provide electricity to all small-scale mining areas in Simiyu to increase production and reduce operating costs,” he said.
Makolobela called on financial institutions to reconsider their lending policies for small-scale miners, noting that miners have real products, established markets, and clear financial records.
Currently, Simiyu Region has five mineral buying centers and a main market in Bariadi town, where most mineral trade takes place.
He also praised miners for giving back to their communities through Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, highlighting TAWOMA and EMJ groups, which donated over 90 desks to Majengo School.
