Dar es Salaam. In a bid to strengthen the mining sector and enhance the economic benefits for small-scale miners in Tanzania, Minister for Minerals, Mr Anthony Mavunde, has formed a special team of experts from both the government and the private sector.
This team will advise the Ministry of Minerals on effective strategies to empower these miners through productive mining practices.
Speaking in Dodoma on April 9, 2025, Minister Mavunde emphasized that this initiative aligns with the directives of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who called for the ministry to ensure small-scale miners can operate more efficiently and profitably.
Given the significance of this small-scale mining sector, the country’s Mining Policy of 2009 clearly outlines the government’s commitment to developing small-scale miners.
“We aim to ensure small scale miners operate with modern techniques and have access to adequate geological information, capital, and environmental management,” Mr Mavunde stated.
Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, through its manifesto, has committed to increasing job opportunities for Tanzanians across various sectors, including mining.
In line with this commitment, the government, through the Ministry of Minerals, is determined to support the growth of small-scale mining, recognizing its potential to create jobs.
“For the mining sector to grow effectively, we must provide Tanzanians with ample opportunities to participate in this economy. This team is specifically tasked with ensuring small-scale miners receive technical assistance, funding, mining sites, and access to modern technology,” Mr Mavunde added.
The team’s objectives include recommending effective ways to empower small-scale miners economically, proposing the establishment of a Small Miners Bank, and suggesting the creation of a Mining Fund to support local miners.
The team will be led by Chairman Victor Tesha (Vice President, the Federation of Miners’ Associations of Tanzania (FEMATA), with Dr Abdulrahman Mwanga (Commissioner of Minerals) serving as Secretary.
The team will also include Theobald Sabi (CEO of NBC), Ivan (Financial Expert), Dr Mussa Budeba (CEO of GST), Hadija Ramadhani (Lawyer from the Mining Commission), and Dr Theresia Numbi (Lawyer and Local Content Specialist).
With this diverse group in place, Minister Mavunde assured that the government is ready to act on their recommendations promptly to enhance the contribution of small-scale miners to the national economy.
Chairman Tesha expressed commitment to conducting this work with integrity and professionalism, ensuring public trust through their expertise and experience.
