TABORA: THE Tanzanian government has directed the Board of the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) to increase coal production at the Kiwira Mine in Mbeya Region as part of the government’s strategy to promote the use of clean cooking energy and reduce dependence on firewood and charcoal.
Speaking today, February 21, 2026, in Tabora, the Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, issued the order during the launch of the Rafiki Briquettes Factory, saying said the government is continuing to take firm measures to ensure the availability of alternative energy sources to protect the environment and curb the rate of deforestation in the country.
He said the factory has the capacity to produce 20 tonnes of briquettes per day and will provide a long-term solution for tobacco farmers in Tabora Region, who have relied on firewood for many years to cure their crop.
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According to the minister, the factory, which cost Sh3 billion to construct, will benefit tobacco farmers who produce an average of 95,000 tonnes annually. He noted that the use of briquettes will help reduce environmental degradation caused by heavy reliance on firewood and charcoal.
For his part, STAMICO Managing Director, Dr Venance Mwasse, said the factory was specifically established to address the long-standing challenge faced by tobacco farmers who have been using firewood to cure their produce. This practice has contributed to deforestation and environmental effects, including drought and unpredictable rainfall.
Dr Mwasse added that the project costs covered the purchase of machinery, building renovations, and all factory establishment activities, and that the funds were sourced from the corporation’s internal revenues.