Kilwa. The minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, has officiated the launch of a new salt processing plant in Kilwa District, Lindi Region.
Mr said the new plant is a major step towards addressing long-standing market challenges facing small-scale salt producers.
The plant, constructed by the National Mining Corporation (STAMICO), is expected to provide a reliable market for raw salt harvested by small-scale producers and strengthen value addition within the country’s mineral sector.
Mr Mavunde said the project was implemented in response to directives issued by President Samia Suluhu Hassan following concerns raised by salt producers during her visit to Lindi Region.
He said the government had been instructed to find a lasting solution to the lack of a dependable market for raw salt produced by small-scale miners.
“Today we are here to officially announce that we have implemented the President’s directives. STAMICO has established this plant to serve as a reliable market for our salt producers and to eliminate the challenges they have faced for many years,” Mr Mavunde said.
The minister noted that the facility has a processing capacity of three tonnes per hour.
It is expected to process between 15,000 and 25,000 tonnes of salt annually.
The plant was inaugurated on May 29, 2026 in Kilwa District, Lindi region.
He urged salt harvesters to take advantage of the opportunity created by the new facility, saying it would help improve incomes and enhance the sustainability of the industry.
Mr Mavunde also directed STAMICO to invest in more mineral processing plants across the country in line with the National Mineral Policy, which promotes value addition and industrial development.
He further said he would work closely with the Minister for Industry and Trade to ensure locally produced salt secures a stable market and meets domestic demand.
The move, he added, will help reduce reliance on imported salt while strengthening Tanzania’s industrial and economic development agenda.
The new plant is expected to create employment opportunities, support local communities and contribute to the growth of the country’s salt industry through increased processing and value addition.
