The State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) and South Africa’s Plantcor Mining and Plant Hire (Pty) Ltd have signed a strategic partnership to conduct gold exploration and mining in Kigosi, Bukombe District.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr. Steven Kiruswa.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Kiruswa said the investment is expected to create jobs for Bukombe residents, boost the local economy, and increase national revenue.
He urged Plantcor to honor its corporate social responsibility commitments and involve local communities in the mining value chain through Tanzania’s Local Content policy.
“After completing geological surveys, Plantcor will share detailed information about the Kigosi area. This will allow other licensed miners in the region to benefit and advance their operations,” he said.
Dr. Kiruswa called on STAMICO to work closely with Plantcor to ensure the project is managed professionally, transparently, and in line with national interests.
He added that investors must meet all commitments, including technology transfer, and comply with Tanzanian laws to set an example for public-private partnerships.
STAMICO Board Chairman, Ambassador Simon Sirro, described the deal as a sign of a strengthening investment environment in Tanzania.
STAMICO CEO, Dr. Venance Mwasse, said the agreement will enhance strategic collaboration in gold research and mining while attracting modern technology and investment to benefit the nation.
He added that airborne geological surveys will be conducted in Kigosi, benefiting more miners in the region.
Plantcor CEO, Joseph Wilmans, said the company has over 20 years of experience in mining, covering exploration, extraction, processing, and distribution.
He pledged that the partnership would increase production and create jobs for Tanzanians, praising the government for providing a conducive investment environment.
Geita Regional Commissioner, Martin Shigella, noted the region is rich in mineral resources and thanked the President for approving the Kigosi project, which he said has strengthened the local economy.
Bukombe MP and former Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Doto Biteko, commended STAMICO for fostering the partnership and called on residents to seize opportunities created by the project, stressing that it could drive sustainable development for the district, region, and country.
The signing follows a recent Indaba Conference meeting between Plantcor and the Ministry of Minerals, where the company pledged to begin project implementation immediately, signaling its commitment to strengthening the collaboration.