The government has called on the Federation of Miners Associations of Tanzania (FEMATA) to undertake comprehensive mineral market research to help small-scale miners secure better returns and reduce reliance on middlemen.
Speaking during a meeting with FEMATA leaders and experts in Dodoma on April 24, 2026, Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde said access to market intelligence is critical in enabling miners to understand global pricing and value chains.
“Research on mineral markets will help our miners know international prices and reduce dependence on brokers who often buy at lower prices,” he said.
The meeting focused on strategies to support Tanzania’s ambition of building a trillion-dollar economy, with the minister stressing the need to strengthen the role of small-scale miners in the sector.
Mr Mavunde said the government is implementing a coordinated plan that begins with preliminary surveys by the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST), followed by detailed exploration by the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) to identify new mineral-rich areas.
He also urged FEMATA to work closely with institutions under the Ministry of Minerals in collecting data to improve awareness among miners on trends in exploration, extraction, processing, and marketing.
Deputy Minister for Minerals Steven Kiruswa directed the Mining Commission to establish a clear system for reallocating revoked mining licences to small-scale miners in their respective regions to enhance productivity.
Meanwhile, STAMICO Managing Director Venance Mwase advised FEMATA to revive its plan to establish a mineral bank to address financial challenges facing miners.
“The mineral bank initiative can help solve financing constraints and support growth among small-scale miners,” he said.
FEMATA President John Bina welcomed the government’s support, noting that improved access to equipment, drilling technology, and financial services is already transforming the sector.
“The cooperation we are receiving is helping small-scale miners grow and become more productive,” he said.
The government sees small-scale mining as a key driver of economic growth, with ongoing reforms aimed at improving productivity, transparency, and value addition in the sector.
