CAPE TOWN: AFRICAN mining ministers have agreed to fast-track mineral value addition within their countries to boost revenue, create jobs, and strengthen economic growth, with a reliable energy supply identified as critical to the plan.
Tanzania’s Minerals Minister Anthony Mavunde said the resolution was reached during the Mining Indaba ministerial meeting held in Cape Town.
During the meeting, the minister had the opportunity to share Tanzania’s experience in linking the energy and mining sectors to support mineral processing and beneficiation.
ALSO READ: Tanzania sees completion of 40 bridges in 100 days
Additionally, Mr Mavunde highlighted the government’s efforts to expand reliable power supply for mining operations, including the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, expected to generate 2,115 megawatts, as well as rural electrification projects led by the Rural Energy Agency (REA) to support mining communities.
Mavunde added that Tanzania is also expanding the national grid through TANESCO in mineral-rich areas to ensure stable electricity for investors and small-scale miners, a move aimed at accelerating local mineral processing and increasing sector returns.