LINDI: THE Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde has launched a new salt processing plant by the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) in Kilwa District, Lindi Region.
The plant is expected to benefit small-scale salt producers in Tanzania with a guaranteed market for their products.
Launching the facility at Lingaula on Friday, Minister Mavunde said the project fulfills President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to address the long-standing challenge of unreliable markets for raw salt harvested by small-scale producers.
Additionally, he said that the plant will buy and process locally produced salt, providing a lasting solution to a problem that has affected producers in Lindi and other salt-producing areas for years.
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The factory has the capacity to process three tonnes of salt per hour and produce between 15,000 and 25,000 tonnes annually.
Moreover, Mr Mavunde urged salt harvesters to seize the opportunity while directing STAMICO to expand investment in mineral value-addition industries across the country.
“The government will work with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to secure broader markets for locally produced salt and reduce the country’s reliance on imported salt,” he said.