Dodoma. As part of efforts to bolster the mining sector’s inclusivity and productivity, the Tanzanian government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women, youth, and persons with special needs through the provision of modern mining equipment and surveyed land.
This initiative aims to transform small-scale mining into a more efficient and profitable venture, ensuring that local miners no longer lose their capital or time due to inadequate technology or lack of geological data.
During a forum focused on opportunities and reforms for women in the mining sector held here in the city, the minister for Minerals, Mr Anthony Mavunde, officially handed over ten high-tech water pumps to the Tanzania Women Miners Association (Tawoma).
These pumps represent the first installment of seventeen planned units intended to assist women in managing mine drainage, which is often a significant hurdle in artisanal operations.
This distribution is a key component of the Mining For A Brighter Tomorrow (MBT) empowerment programme, which seeks to provide targeted groups with geoscience-researched licences and rock-crushing machinery.
Mr Mavunde highlighted the vital role played by small-scale miners, noting that they currently contribute roughly 40 percent of the total collections in the mining sector.
As of April 2026, these contributions have helped the sector reach a collection milestone of 1.1 trillion shillings.
By focusing on women and youth, the Ministry intends to expand the scope of mineral production and ensure that the wealth generated from the country’s natural resources is distributed more equitably across different demographics.
The State Mining Corporation (Stamico) is also playing a pivotal role in this transformation.
The managing director of Stamico, Dr Venance Mwase, stated that the corporation will continue to provide machinery and conduct vital research for small-scale mining groups.
These efforts are aligned with the Vision 2030 strategy, which operates under the guiding principle that minerals represent both life and wealth for the Tanzanian people.
Reflecting on the impact of these initiatives, the chairperson of Tawoma, Ms Semeni Malale, explained how the strategic Malkia wa Madini (Queen of Minerals) project is successfully connecting women and youth to empowerment opportunities across various regions.
This project provides practical solutions for increasing productivity and household income.
To date, the Queen of Minerals initiative has managed to economically develop 7,000 women and 120 youth across 21 regions, marking a transformative era for female participation in the nation’s extractive industry.
