The Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, on Thursday chaired a meeting aimed at resolving a dispute between small-scale miners operating in Block No. 15 and the management of the Ililika Mine in Nyarugusu, Geita Region.
The meeting, held in Dodoma on February 20, 2026, brought together representatives of the two sides as the government sought a fact-based resolution to the disagreement, which centres on contested mineral samples and operational claims at the mine.
After listening to submissions from both parties through their representatives, the minister directed that the disputed mineral samples be subjected to independent testing.
He also instructed that more witnesses from each side be presented to provide additional information before the talks are continued.
Mavunde said the approach was intended to ensure decisions are guided by verified evidence and due process, adding that the matter would proceed step by step until a fair determination is reached.
The dispute involves small-scale miners working within Block No. 15 and the leadership of the Ililika Mine, with each side presenting differing accounts regarding the ownership and handling of certain mineral outputs.
Authorities said the use of technical assessment and broader testimony would help establish the facts before any conclusions are drawn.
The meeting was attended by the Executive Secretary of the Mining Commission of Tanzania, Engineer Ramadhan Lwamo, and the Geita Regional Resident Mining Officer, Samweli Shoo.
Also present were the Ililika Mine Supervisor, Salma Mipawa, and representatives of the small-scale miners led by Geofrey Mushi.
Government officials said the matter would be taken forward once the laboratory analysis of the samples is completed and the additional testimonies are received, at which point the meeting will be reconvened to consider the findings.
The intervention comes amid ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Minerals to address disputes in the sector through dialogue and regulatory mechanisms, particularly in areas where large-scale and small-scale mining activities operate side by side.
Geita Region is one of Tanzania’s key mining zones, hosting numerous gold mining operations alongside licensed small-scale miners.
Officials have said timely resolution of disputes is important to maintaining order, protecting investments and ensuring that mining activities are conducted in line with the law.
The ministry reiterated that it would continue to engage stakeholders to promote compliance with mining regulations and to safeguard the rights and obligations of all parties involved.