Dodoma. The government has announced several measures to guarantee the Geita Gold Refinery (GGR) a consistent supply of feedstock.
The Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, said at a seminar convened for members of the parliamentary committee on Energy and Minerals on February 11 that his ministry has already held discussions with officials from the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) and other key stakeholders.
These discussions aim to establish a framework that facilitates Tanzanians’ access to capital through the Export Credit Guarantee Scheme.
“The government is also continuing its efforts to encourage small miners to sell their gold to GGR, enabling them to secure better prices, reduce transportation costs, and benefit from lower charges for locally refined gold,” Mr Mavunde said.
He emphasised that the government aims to ensure all minerals mined in Tanzania are refined domestically.
This initiative is expected to increase government revenue, create jobs for Tanzanians, and foster linkages with other economic sectors.
Mr Mavunde also noted that GGR is a state-of-the-art, internationally recognised facility that has been a key driver of transformation in the country’s mining sector.
“We are proud to see that Tanzania now has adequate gold refining facilities,” he added.
The Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr Steven Kiruswa, remarked that despite the government’s commitment to protecting local value-added mining industries, refineries themselves must ensure they can secure enough feedstock while maintaining the ethical standards required for international recognition.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals, Yahya Samamba, highlighted the government’s efforts to support the adequate supply of feedstock to GGR, including reducing the total fees on gold refined in local industries to 6.3 percent, down from the 9.3 percent charged in other markets.
Parliament committee commends GGR investment
The chairperson of the parliamentary committee on Energy and Minerals, Dr Mathayo David, commended Ms Mwanahamisi Masasi, also known as Mama Masasi, a major investor in the Geita Gold Refinery project, for her boldness and significant achievements in establishing and advancing the refinery.
Dr Mathayo noted that this investment is historic and will bring substantial benefits to the national economy, especially in the mining sector.
He further urged the government, through the Ministry of Minerals, to continue promoting such investments in other mineral sectors to ensure that Tanzania maximises the benefits from its mineral resources.
