The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Minerals, Engineer Yahya Samamba, has urged mining officials to strengthen safety and environmental oversight, especially during the rainy season, to prevent accidents that could lead to injuries or loss of life.
Engineer Samamba made the remarks while opening the Second Session of the Mining Commission Staff Council in Mwanza.
The meeting brought together top officials, including Mining Commission Chairperson Dr. Janet Lekashingo, Executive Secretary Engineer Ramadhani Lwamo, representatives from the Ministry of Minerals, the Office of the Commissioner of Labour, TUGHE, as well as directors, managers, and Regional Resident Mining Officers from across Tanzania.
He emphasized that miner safety must be the top priority for all sector officials. “It is your duty to ensure that all mining sites are regularly inspected and that high-risk mines are immediately closed. The aim is to ensure Tanzanians benefit from mineral resources without endangering lives,” he said.
Engineer Samamba also called for wider use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) across the mining value chain from extraction to processing and trading to improve transparency, reduce opportunities for corruption, and ensure the government collects rightful revenue.
Highlighting the importance of integrity, he urged officials to uphold high standards and professionalism to maintain the Mining Commission’s positive image among citizens and sector stakeholders.
On revenue collection, Engineer Samamba praised the Commission for surpassing targets. Between July 2025 and March 24, 2026, the Commission collected over TZS 1 trillion, exceeding 111 percent of the set target.
He expressed confidence that the Commission would meet the TZS 1.2 trillion target by June 2026, funds expected to support essential services such as electricity, water, roads, and schools.
He also noted a sharp rise in gold production, from 54.06 tonnes valued at TZS 7.004 trillion in 2022/2023 to 66.88 tonnes worth TZS 12.265 trillion in 2024/2025.
Between July 2025 and February 2026, a total of 46.24 tonnes valued at TZS 11.726 trillion were produced.
Dr. Janet Lekashingo observed that the Commission’s performance is reflected in revenue growth, from TZS 360 billion in 2017/2018 to TZS 1.072 trillion in 2024/2025, underscoring the sector’s vital contribution to the national economy.
Engineer Ramadhani Lwamo thanked the Ministry of Minerals for improving working conditions for staff, including providing vehicles and computers to Regional Resident Mining Officers to boost efficiency.
Labour Commissioner representative Betty Mtega and TUGHE Dodoma regional secretary Samwel Nyungwa commended the Commission for strengthening Staff Council meetings, which allow employees to actively contribute suggestions on budget drafts before formal submission.
