By Lilian Kasenene, Morogoro
Small-scale miners have been called upon to strengthen cooperation with the government as part of ongoing efforts to improve productivity, working conditions and the overall contribution of the mining sector to the national economy.
The call was made in Morogoro by the President of the Federation of Miners Associations of Tanzania (FEMATA), Mr John Bina, during a consultative meeting that brought together miners and key stakeholders to discuss challenges facing the subsector and explore solutions.
Mr Bina said sustained engagement between the government and small-scale miners is already yielding positive results, including better operating environments and increased output, while ensuring the sector delivers mutual benefits.
He noted that unity among miners and stakeholders remains critical, stressing the need for a common voice in advancing shared development priorities.
He said small-scale miners play a significant role in Tanzania’s economy and that closer collaboration is helping to align their activities with national development goals.
Mr Bina further urged miners to regularly reflect on their progress and future direction to make informed decisions that support sustainable growth.
He emphasised the importance of structured cooperation from grassroots level to leadership within associations, including holding frequent meetings to deliberate on challenges and agree on joint strategies.
On access to finance, Mr Bina noted that uptake of financial services among small-scale miners remains relatively low, largely due to limited awareness and trust in financial institutions.
However, he said ongoing initiatives to improve access to capital are beginning to bear fruit, with more miners recognising the role of credit in expanding operations.
The government, he added, continues to collaborate with banks to simplify lending procedures.
To accelerate growth, he encouraged miners to take advantage of available credit facilities, noting that borrowing in the subsector has been rising.
Banking sector data shows that loans worth more than TZS 160 billion were extended to miners last year, although a significant number of small-scale operators are yet to benefit fully from these opportunities.
Mr Bina advised miners to form groups to enhance their eligibility for loans, explaining that collective arrangements can help overcome challenges related to lack of collateral.
He said some financial institutions have already demonstrated willingness to finance mining activities, highlighting the growing confidence in the sector.
For their part, small-scale miners in Morogoro called on the government to step up investment in value addition and improve infrastructure, particularly roads, to ease access to mining sites.
A miner, Mr Benald Nduguru, said Morogoro has substantial deposits of construction and industrial minerals, underscoring the need for targeted support to empower miners and attract investment.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Morogoro Regional Miners Association (MOREMA), Dr Omary Mzeru, appealed to the government to allocate previously revoked land to enable the association to invest and partner with other stakeholders.
He also urged members to use the association as a platform to channel grievances for timely resolution instead of waiting for formal meetings.
Morogoro Regional Resident Mining Officer, Ms Zabibu Napacho, assured stakeholders that her office will continue to engage miners and address their concerns in line with the law.
She said the office is mandated to enforce the Mining Act and works closely with relevant authorities to resolve disputes and ensure compliance.
Mr Bina concluded by urging miners to adhere to regulations and recognise the value of the country’s mineral resources, noting that compliance and collaboration are essential for long-term growth of the sector.
