The State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) has signed an agreement with Singapore-based Planet One Natural Resources Holdings PTE LTD to develop graphite exploration licences in Mirerani, Simanjiro District, in Manyara Region.
The agreement was signed in Mirerani and witnessed by Deputy Minister for Minerals Dr Steven Kiruswa, who said the project is expected to stimulate economic activities and support development in the area and the wider region.
Dr Kiruswa said the implementation of the project should ensure local communities benefit through employment opportunities and participation in economic activities generated by the investment.
He urged the companies involved in the project to prioritise hiring workers from Mirerani and surrounding areas while also sourcing goods and services locally from businesses in Simanjiro District.
“It is important that residents of Mirerani and nearby communities benefit directly from the opportunities created by this project,” he said.
Dr Kiruswa said graphite is among the world’s strategic minerals due to rising global demand, particularly for use in manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles.
He said this demand presents a significant opportunity for Tanzania to strengthen its position in the global mineral market.
He also called on STAMICO and the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) to continue supporting small-scale miners by providing reliable geological information to improve productivity in their operations.
According to him, the project aligns with the government’s broader efforts to expand the contribution of the mining sector to economic growth.
STAMICO managing director Dr Venance Mwasse said the corporation continues to attract investors into the mining sector, noting that the Mirerani graphite agreement is the third contract signed by the institution this year.
He said the project is expected to create employment opportunities for local residents while also increasing government revenue through mining-related activities.
“This agreement demonstrates the continued interest of investors in Tanzania’s mining sector,” said Dr Mwasse.
STAMICO board chairperson Ambassador Simon Sirro said the investment reflects government efforts to utilise mineral resources to support economic development.
He urged residents of Simanjiro District to cooperate with investors and ensure integrity, especially for those who will secure employment opportunities within the project.
Ambassador Sirro said STAMICO’s revenue has grown significantly in recent years, rising from Sh19.81 billion in the 2021/22 financial year to Sh72.99 billion in the 2024/25 financial year.
Planet One Natural Resources Holdings chief executive officer Ramakrishna Chinnamsetty said the agreement would strengthen economic cooperation between Tanzania and Singapore.
He said the project will not only focus on graphite exploration but will also support community development initiatives in areas such as infrastructure, health, education and technology.
“We are committed to working with local communities while ensuring environmental protection and sustainable operations,” he said.
Deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Minerals Msafiri Mbibo said the government will continue strengthening regulatory systems to support mineral exploration, mining and value addition in the country.
