The Government has announced plans to construct a modern gold ore processing plant in Mwakitolyo, Shinyanga Region, in a move aimed at strengthening small-scale mining and improving miners’ incomes, safety and productivity.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Minerals, Mr Anthony Mavunde, during a working visit to Mwakitolyo, where he addressed small-scale miners operating in the area.
The project follows directives issued by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to ensure closer government support and supervision of small-scale miners across the country.
Mr Mavunde said the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) has already started implementing the President’s directive, noting that land for the project has been secured at Mawemelu Village and construction is expected to begin shortly.
The government-owned facility will have the capacity to process between 100 and 120 tonnes of gold ore per day.
He said the plant will reduce dependence on unsafe and informal processing methods, while enabling miners to add value to their production locally.
The initiative, he added, reflects President Samia’s commitment to transforming the small-scale mining sub-sector into a more organised, productive and profitable industry.
In addition to the processing plant, the minister said the government has purchased 15 drilling machines to support small-scale miners, a move intended to modernise mining operations and reduce the risks associated with traditional extraction methods.
Mr Mavunde also reiterated the government’s firm stance on the implementation of the Mining Act, Cap 123, which prohibits foreign nationals from holding primary mining licences.
He said the law allows only clearly defined technical support arrangements, which are strictly monitored to safeguard the interests of Tanzanian miners.
He directed the Mining Commission to revoke all undeveloped primary mining licences in accordance with the law, noting that licence hoarding has limited access to mining areas for committed and capable miners.
Areas recovered from such licences will be allocated to organised groups of youth and women under the Mining for a Brighter Tomorrow (MBT) programme.
Earlier, STAMICO Managing Director Dr Venance Mwasse said the government plans to construct three mineral processing plants in the 2025/26 financial year, including two gold processing plants in Mwakitolyo and Buhemba, and one salt processing plant, all aimed at serving small-scale miners.
Shinyanga Regional Commissioner Ms Mboni Mhita thanked President Samia for her continued support to miners in the region, saying the regional administration will continue to work closely with small-scale miners to address challenges facing the sector, including issues related to council levies.
The new processing plant is expected to boost gold output, improve working conditions, create more opportunities for youth and women, and enhance the overall contribution of small-scale mining to the national economy.