DODOMA: THE Tanzanian Chief Executive Officer and the founder of RARE Mining East Africa Limited, Leminatha Kabigumila, stole the spotlight at the 2nd International Mining Indaba held from February 8–12, 2026, in South Africa by becoming a symbol of women’s potential in mining across Tanzania and Africa.
Participating in the Mining Indaba for the first time, Leminatha won the Women Entrepreneur in Mining Award, presented by the African Women in Mining Association (AWIMA), in recognition of her significant contributions to the mining sector both locally and continentally.
The award adds to her growing list of accolades, including three previous recognitions for Best Miner, Best Taxpayer, and Outstanding Female Miner at the annual “Mining Night”, part of Tanzania’s International Mining Investment Conference, which celebrates top-performing companies and miners in the country.
Speaking after receiving the award, Leminatha said the award came to her as a surprise as she went to Indaba to learn and network, but beyond her expectations, she won an indication that genuine efforts are recognized.
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According to Leminatha, Tanzania’s mining sector provides an enabling environment for anyone willing to enter, citing the support she received from local mining officers such as Officer Samweli Shoo in Geita, who helped her obtain her first license.
“I have learned to add value to minerals through innovation, uphold community accountability, and ensure sustainable investment. Seeing women take key roles on international platforms motivates me to stand firm and pursue goals without fear of challenges,” she said.
Moreover, she encouraged women to start small, be bold, refuse to accept “no” without trying, and believes that the success of one woman is a victory for the entire community.
“This award is proof that we are recognized, that our dreams are possible, and that we should never give up,” she said.
Through RARE Mining, she holds 21 licenses for gypsum mining in Kyerwa, Kagera, and gold mining licenses in Kahama, Shinyanga, and Manyara, selling her gold directly to the Bank of Tanzania in Dodoma.
Her journey underscores the Tanzanian government’s commitment to creating a supportive policy and regulatory environment, enabling citizens to fully participate in the mining economy and achieve remarkable success.
Tanzania made a powerful mark at the 2nd International Mining Indaba with a delegation led by the Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, including representatives from mining associations, financial institutions, legal firms, traders, service providers, and women passionate about transforming the country’s mining sector.