Geita. The rapid growth of Tanzania’s mining sector has led to a significant rise in electricity demand, reflecting the expanding scale of mineral extraction and value addition activities, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy Doto Biteko has said.
Dr Biteko made the remarks on September 28, 2025, when closing the 8th Geita Mining and Technology Exhibition, held at the Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan Grounds in Bombambili from September 18 to 28.
He said the government was committed to extending power supply to mining sites, processing plants, and value addition industries to sustain production and improve efficiency across the sector.
“The growth of the mining sector goes hand in hand with increased energy demand. For instance, here in Geita alone, over 30 megawatts are being consumed, a major rise compared to previous years. The government is determined to ensure that electricity continues reaching large-scale mines, small-scale miners, and mineral beneficiation plants so that the sector keeps expanding and creating more jobs,” said Dr Biteko.
He noted that the mining industry had remained resilient over the past four years and had now established itself as one of the country’s key economic pillars.
Earlier, while touring exhibition pavilions, the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) announced that it had so far purchased more than 10 tonnes of gold worth Sh2.5 trillion as part of its strategy to strengthen national reserves and safeguard the economy from global shocks.
For his part, the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals, Msafiri Mbibo, said the Geita Mining and Technology Exhibition, first launched eight years ago, had yielded significant benefits to the sector and the nation at large.
“Through this exhibition, we have witnessed major improvements in mine safety, operational efficiency, and productivity growth,” he said.
