The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Minerals, Engineer Yahya Samamba, has called on officials of the Mining Commission to strengthen education for small-scale miners to enable them to fully benefit from Tanzania’s mineral resources through better understanding of technical agreements and strict compliance with mining laws and regulations.
Engineer Samamba made the directive in Dodoma while opening a two-day Management Meeting of the Mining Commission, which brought together commissioners, directors, managers, and Resident Mines Officers from across the country.
The meeting is focused on reviewing performance over the past nine months, identifying challenges, and setting new strategies to improve efficiency in the sector.
He said the government continues to implement various initiatives aimed at ensuring the mining sector benefits Tanzanians, particularly small-scale miners.
However, he noted that many miners still lack sufficient knowledge on how to interpret and implement technical agreements signed with investors, a situation that limits their ability to benefit fully from mining activities.
He emphasized that it is the responsibility of mining officials, especially Resident Mines Officers, to ensure small-scale miners are well informed about their rights and obligations in such agreements.
He said this knowledge is key to protecting their interests and increasing productivity in mining operations.
Engineer Samamba also stressed the importance of continuing education on occupational health, safety, and environmental protection in mining areas.
He said responsible mining must go hand in hand with protecting human life and conserving the environment for sustainable development.
In addition, he directed officials to actively promote investment opportunities available in the mining sector to attract both local and international investors.
He noted that Tanzania is rich in mineral resources across all regions, and timely dissemination of accurate information is essential to unlock investment potential and increase the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
He further called for stronger efforts to empower Tanzanians to participate in the mining value chain, particularly in supplying goods and services to mining projects.
He said capacity building is essential to ensure citizens can take advantage of opportunities created by the growing sector.
Engineer Samamba also instructed Resident Mines Officers to closely supervise mining activities in their respective areas, engage stakeholders, listen to their concerns, and resolve them in accordance with the law.
He emphasized that effective supervision and accountability are critical for improving performance in the sector.
On mining licenses, he issued a strong warning that inactive licenses will be revoked and reassigned to investors who are ready to develop mining projects.
He said this move aims to ensure that mineral resources are not left idle but are used productively for national benefit.
He further commended the Mining Commission for improving revenue collection. According to him, from July to March of the 2025/2026 financial year, the Commission collected 1.03 trillion shillings, representing 86.2 percent of its annual target of 1.2 trillion shillings.
Mining Commissioner Engineer Theonestina Mwasha thanked the Ministry of Minerals leadership for continued guidance aimed at improving the Commission’s performance.
She urged staff to maintain innovation, accountability, and integrity in carrying out their duties to further strengthen the sector.
Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of the Mining Commission, Engineer Ramadhani Lwamo, directed Resident Mines Officers to closely monitor the implementation of technical agreements and ensure strict adherence to professional procedures and work ethics in their offices.
The Dodoma meeting is expected to provide a platform for evaluating progress, addressing challenges, and developing strategies to further strengthen the mining sector as a key pillar of Tanzania’s economy.
