The Manyara Regional Miners Association (MAREMA) is holding its two-day Annual General Meeting (AGM) in the mining town of Mirerani, Simanjiro District, bringing together leaders and members to review achievements, address challenges, and set strategic priorities for the year.
Opening the meeting, MAREMA Chairperson Elisha Nelson Mnyawi praised miners’ leaders for convening the AGM, calling it a vital platform for dialogue and decision-making within the sector.
He emphasized that the meeting allows members to discuss key issues affecting their operations and to adopt resolutions that strengthen the association’s governance and financial stability.
Among the key resolutions, members agreed that each miner will contribute one per cent of their production income to their respective MAREMA branch once production is realised, a move aimed at securing the association’s financial independence.
“I thank members for attending. The first day of the meeting has been productive, with sessions led by NMB Bank, CRDB Bank, and TANESCO providing valuable insights. On the second day, we will discuss further strategic matters, with the Regional Commissioner, Ms Queen Sendiga, expected as the guest of honour,” Mnyawi said.
He also thanked members for scheduling a Special General Meeting on March 10, 2026, in Babati to review and amend MAREMA’s constitution, further strengthening the association’s governance framework.
The first-day guest of honour, Mirerani Resident Mines Officer (RMO) George Kaseza, highlighted the growing contribution of Tanzania’s mining sector in creating wealth under the national slogan “Minerals are Wealth and Life 2030.”
He urged miners to adopt Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including allocating funds for community development projects.
“Every miner should develop a CSR plan. A miner can, for instance, contribute up to Sh4 million annually, disbursed in four phases, to support development projects in surrounding villages,” Kaseza said.
Manyara Resident Mines Officer Godfrey Nyanda noted that miners from Babati, Kiteto, Mbulu, and Hanang districts contributed about Sh500 million to national revenue through mineral production. He commended miners for cooperating with government authorities in addressing sector challenges.
MAREMA Secretary General Tariq James Kibwe highlighted institutional reforms achieved during the AGM, including the recognition of branch leaders at district level.
“Branch leaders will now be officially recognised through branches in Mirerani, Kiteto, Mbulu, Kastam Losinyai, Nadonyukini, Msitu wa Tembo, Magugu, and Magara Babati,” he said.
He added that MAREMA has expanded its committees to include mediation and dispute resolution, projects and economic planning, and youth engagement, aligning with the structure of the Federation of Miners Associations of Tanzania (FEMATA).
The AGM continues today, with members expected to chart a path for sustainable mining practices, stronger institutional capacity, and increased contributions to community development across Manyara Region.