The Government has pledged to improve access to services, markets and investment opportunities for small-scale miners in Lindi as it seeks to raise mineral production and value addition in the region.
Deputy Minister for Minerals Dr Steven Lemomo Kiruswa said the Government recognised the contribution of small-scale miners to the economy and would continue putting in place measures to help them increase productivity.
He made the remarks on Saturday, September 19, 2026, when closing the 2026 Lindi Mining and Investment Opportunities Exhibition in Ruangwa District.
“I urge miners to use the opportunities provided by the Government and its institutions to improve their operations and increase productivity,” Dr Kiruswa said.
The minister urged miners to comply with the Mining Act, environmental regulations and occupational health and safety requirements, saying responsible mining was essential for the sector's long-term growth.
He also directed institutions including the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA), the National Environment Management Council (NEMC), the Mining Commission and local government authorities to step up public education and supervision of mining activities.
The measures are intended to improve safety while ensuring mining activities are conducted in line with environmental and regulatory requirements.
Dr Kiruswa said Lindi also had potential to attract investment beyond mineral extraction, particularly in exploration, processing and value addition.
“Lindi Region is continuing to build an important position in the country's mining sector because of the availability of various minerals. I therefore urge domestic and foreign investors to continue viewing Lindi as an area with investment opportunities,” he said.
The Government, he added, was committed to supporting the establishment of a nickel processing plant in Lindi, part of efforts to increase local value addition instead of relying mainly on the export of raw minerals.
He said the Government would also strengthen mineral markets to give miners more reliable outlets for their production and reduce challenges associated with selling minerals.
Lindi Regional Commissioner Adam Malima said the region recognised mining as an important contributor to its economic development and would continue creating a favourable environment for miners and investors.
Meanwhile, Nachingwea MP Fadhili Ally Liwaka, representing Lindi MPs, called for more mineral processing plants, particularly for nickel and copper, to increase value addition and economic benefits from the region's mineral resources.
The three-day exhibition brought together mining stakeholders, investors and residents, providing a platform to showcase mineral resources and discuss opportunities in exploration, production, processing and investment.
The Government's focus on processing and value addition comes as Lindi seeks to strengthen its position in Tanzania's mining industry and capture more economic benefits from minerals produced in the region.