Chunya. Mapessa Intertrade Ltd, a supplier of mining equipment and processing chemicals based in Chunya District, is advocating for increased investment in local manufacturing of mineral processing machinery and chemicals to support Tanzania’s growing mining sector.
The company believes that establishing such factories would make vital equipment and reagents more accessible while substantially reducing costs for small-scale miners, who currently depend on expensive imports for most of their gold extraction materials.
Speaking to Madini Diary recently, the company’s accountant, Ms Joyce Ndolela, said high import expenses have become a major challenge for artisanal miners, limiting their ability to acquire efficient and safe machinery.
Madini Diary is a production of the ministry of Minerals.
She noted that the absence of domestic manufacturers presents a significant investment gap that could stimulate industrial growth if strategically addressed.
“If these products were manufactured locally, they would be available at a more affordable price, which would be a huge relief for small-scale miners. At present, most of them have no option but to import from abroad,” she said.
Founded by a miner-turned-entrepreneur, Mapessa Intertrade deals in a wide range of mining equipment, including compressors and gold processing machines, designed for both small and large-scale operations.
Ms Ndolela explained that the company has adopted a flexible payment model that enables clients to make gradual payments until ownership is complete.
“Our clients can invest progressively, and once they complete their payments, we deliver the equipment to them,” she explained.
She encouraged artisanal and small-scale miners to embrace modern extraction technologies rather than rely on traditional methods, noting that modern machinery improves both safety and productivity.
Ms Ndolela further urged women to seize emerging opportunities across the mineral value chain.
“Women should not shy away from participating in mining. There are many openings along the mineral value chain—from processing to trading and support services,” she added.
Commenting on the firm’s origins, she revealed that the founder used proceeds from small-scale mining to establish the business, which has since grown into a reliable supplier of mining equipment and reagents in the southern highlands.
“The owner started as a miner and used the proceeds to establish this business. This venture has also created employment opportunities for us,” she said.
Established in 2023 at Itumbi in Chunya District, Mapessa Intertrade began as a small outlet before expanding its headquarters to Chunya town in June 2025.
The company’s long-term vision is to support small-scale miners in adopting modern technologies and sustainable practices that complement Tanzania’s industrial development drive.
