GEITA: Tanzanian-owned explosives and blasting company ESAP has invested in modern equipment and technology as it seeks to expand its services to large, medium and small-scale miners, its managing director Yahya Puyaga has said.
Mr Puyaga said the investment was intended to strengthen local participation in the mining value chain while improving access to explosives and blasting services required by mining operations.
He made the remarks during the ninth National Mineral Technology and Investment Exhibition at the Dkt Samia Suluhu Hassan grounds in Geita.
ESAP, which is wholly owned by Tanzanians, supplies explosives to several mines, including Bulyanhulu, STAMIGOLD and Shanta, while also providing blasting services at other mining sites.
“Local content has enabled us to reach and provide services in different parts of the country. We have invested in modern technology and equipment that enable us to provide services according to the needs of the mining sector,” Mr Puyaga said.
He said the company had invested in a manufacturing plant in Bukombe District to increase its capacity to produce products required in mining operations.
The company has also acquired specialised vehicles capable of mixing explosives at mining sites, with some already deployed to different mining areas.
Mr Puyaga said such equipment was important in improving the efficiency and safety of blasting operations while allowing the company to respond to the specific requirements of different mines.
The investment comes as Tanzania continues to push for greater participation of local companies in the mining industry, with local content policies seeking to increase the share of goods and services supplied by Tanzanian businesses.
Mr Puyaga said ESAP was also working to improve access to explosives and related products for small-scale miners, particularly those involved in underground mining.
He said increased availability of the products could help small-scale miners access the equipment and services they require at more affordable costs.
“Once these products are available in the required quantities, they will help small-scale miners access services and equipment at more affordable costs while maintaining the technology and standards required in the mining sector,” he said.
For small-scale miners, access to appropriate equipment and technical services remains important as operations become more mechanised and underground mining expands.
Mr Puyaga said ESAP's investments were therefore aimed not only at expanding the company's business but also at increasing the capacity of Tanzanian firms to supply specialised services within the mining industry.
Mining stakeholders in Geita have welcomed the company's growing role in the sector, particularly its participation in supplying locally owned services to mining operations.