The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening small-scale mining while tightening safety and environmental standards, in a move aimed at increasing the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
This commitment was highlighted on April 23, 2026, in Kahama District by Engineer Aziza Swedi, Director of Licensing Services at the Mining Commission Tanzania, who represented the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Engineer Ramadhani Lwamo, during the opening of a training session for mine managers and Chief Mine Inspectors.
The training brings together participants from key mining zones of Kahama, Mbogwe and Shinyanga, focusing on improving technical skills, strengthening mine supervision, ensuring compliance with laws, and promoting safe and sustainable mining.
Swedi said empowering both inspectors and miners is essential to reducing accidents, protecting workers’ health and preserving the environment.
She stressed that Chief Mine Inspectors must be supported with adequate cooperation and a conducive working environment to effectively enforce safety standards.
“The Government wants mining activities to contribute more to national development while ensuring they are conducted safely and responsibly,” she said.
She noted that the success of reforms in the mining sector depends on close collaboration among stakeholders, particularly mine managers and inspectors who oversee adherence to safety procedures and legal requirements.
The Government is targeting an increase in the mining sector’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 10 percent to 12.5 percent by 2030, in line with the vision of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Swedi said small-scale miners already contribute about 40 percent of mining revenue, making them a critical pillar of the economy.
She urged mine operators to maintain proper production records to ensure transparency and timely government revenue collection.
At the same time, she warned against unsafe practices, including the improper use of hazardous chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, and exposure to silica dust, which can cause serious illnesses like silicosis, tuberculosis and cancer.
Engineer Hamisi Kamando, Director of Mine Inspection and Environment at the Mining Commission, called on inspectors to submit regular reports to help the Government detect risks early and take preventive action.
He pointed out that challenges such as non-compliance with regulations, poor record-keeping, tax evasion and mineral smuggling still exist in some areas.
The ongoing training, he said, is intended to equip participants with the skills needed to address these issues and promote responsible mining.
“We want miners to go to work safely and return home safely every day. Human life is more important than minerals,” he said.
Shinyanga Regional Small-Scale Miners Association (SHIREMA) Chairperson Hamza Tandiko emphasised the need for professionalism among miners and accurate reporting of mining activities.
He also commended inspectors for their role in reducing accidents and improving safety in mining areas.
The initiative reflects the Government’s broader strategy to formalise and modernise small-scale mining, ensuring it delivers economic benefits while safeguarding people and the environment.
