LONGIDO: THE government has begun implementing President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to reinvest part of the mining sector’s revenue into its development, with 10 per cent of mineral revenues allocated to mineral exploration.
The initiative is expected to strengthen geological research, improve the availability of scientific data on mineral deposits and support the sustainable growth of the mining sector.
Deputy Minister for Minerals Dr Steven Kiruswa announced the initiative during a visit to Longido District, Arusha Region, where he met miners, mineral dealers and local government leaders. He also officiated the opening of elections for small-scale mineral dealers, popularly known as brokers.
Dr Kiruswa said the allocation would enable the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) to undertake more geological surveys, identify new mineral-rich areas and provide small-scale miners with reliable geological data to guide investment decisions.
“Exploration is the foundation of a successful mining sector. We want our miners to move away from speculative mining and instead rely on accurate geological information that will increase production, reduce losses and improve their incomes,” he said.
He noted that increased investment in exploration would lead to the discovery of new mineral deposits, attract investment, create employment opportunities and enhance the mining sector’s contribution to the national economy.
Dr Kiruswa also said the ministry is implementing the Mining for a Brighter Tomorrow (MBT) programme to empower small-scale miners, women, youth and people with disabilities to participate in mineral exploration, mining, processing, value addition and mineral trading.
He encouraged residents of Mundarara Village in Longido District to form groups and register for the programme so they can benefit from training, technology, financing and other government support.
Addressing the brokers’ elections, Dr Kiruswa directed the association’s national and regional leaders to temporarily suspend the exercise until members receive adequate education on their rights, responsibilities and election procedures as outlined in the association’s constitution.
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He said the move would help ensure the elections are conducted transparently, fairly and inclusively while preventing disputes arising from inadequate understanding of the electoral process.
The Deputy Minister also urged all mineral brokers to comply with the Mining Act by obtaining valid operating licences and carrying identification cards bearing their licence numbers while conducting business. Meanwhile, Tanzania Mineral Dealers Association (CHAMMATA) Chairperson Jeremiah Kituyo said the association had accepted the directives and would implement them.
He said district-level elections would be supervised by regional leaders in accordance with the association’s constitution and guidelines. Only members with valid association identity cards and mineral trading licences will be eligible to participate in the elections.