Small-scale miners of construction minerals in Tanga Region have benefited from specialised technical training aimed at improving safety, efficiency and productivity, in a programme supported by the Tanzania Mining Commission, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Foundation for ASM Development (FADev).
The training, funded by UNDP, forms part of ongoing government and development partners’ efforts to strengthen the artisanal and small-scale mining sector, which remains a key source of employment and local economic activity.
Organisers said the initiative is designed to equip miners with practical and scientific skills to improve how mining activities are planned and executed, while also reducing environmental risks associated with unregulated extraction.
Speaking during the training, FADev Project Coordinator Rehema Mkuli said the programme targets small-scale miners involved in industrial and construction minerals, particularly limestone, with a focus on improving both productivity and environmental management.
“The objective is to empower small-scale miners with technical knowledge that enables them to increase production efficiency while ensuring safety and environmental protection,” she said.
She added that participants are being trained in basic geological mapping and safe and efficient pit design, which are considered critical tools for improving accuracy and safety in mining operations.
According to her, these skills help miners better understand geological formations, reduce guesswork in extraction, and minimise risks associated with unsafe excavation practices.
A geologist from the Tanga Regional Mining Office, Daudi, urged miners to strengthen their knowledge in identifying different rock types and understanding the minerals they contain, saying this would improve decision-making in the field.
“Improved understanding of geology reduces unnecessary digging and increases efficiency in identifying viable mineral deposits,” he said.
Stakeholders say the training marks an important step towards improving the performance and formalisation of the artisanal mining sector, which plays a significant role in supporting rural livelihoods across Tanzania.
They further note that strengthening technical capacity among small-scale miners is expected to enhance incomes, improve safety standards and contribute to more sustainable use of mineral resources.
