The Tanzanian government has hailed the remarkable progress made by small-scale miners, including those extracting Pozzolana and volcanic blocks in Holili Ward, Rombo District, Kilimanjaro, describing their work as a key driver of economic growth.
Deputy Minister of Minerals, Dr. Steven Kiruswa, made the remarks during a visit to Rombo today, where he inspected ongoing mining activities.
He highlighted that the mining sector is central to the country’s economy, linking and boosting other sectors such as construction, industry, trade, agriculture, and water management.
Dr. Kiruswa emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting youth and women in small-scale mining through the Mining for a Brighter Tomorrow (MBT) program.
The initiative provides modern mining equipment and licenses to improve productivity and increase earnings.
"This program demonstrates the government’s determination to ensure that small-scale miners thrive and become integral contributors to the national economy," he said.
He added that the Ministry of Minerals will continue revoking inactive licenses to ensure that mineral resources benefit Tanzanians fully and remove barriers slowing sector growth.
Rombo District Commissioner, Mr. Raymond Mwangwala, noted that Pozzolana mining has boosted the district’s profile and council revenues while creating employment opportunities for youth.
Locally mined volcanic minerals are also being used to produce durable bricks, further supporting the local economy.
Kilimanjaro Regional Minerals Officer, Engineer Abel Madaha, reported that mineral revenue in the region reached TZS 1.63 billion between July and November 2025, achieving 45% of the annual target of TZS 4.2 billion for the 2025/26 financial year.
He said this performance reflects both active participation from miners and effective oversight by the Ministry of Minerals to maximize the sector’s contribution to national development.
Pozzolana, a naturally occurring volcanic soil or ash, when mixed with lime and water, produces strong cement widely used in Tanzania’s construction and cement industries.
The government’s support for small-scale miners through initiatives like MBT signals a new era for the mining sector, empowering youth and women while fueling economic growth across regions.