The Tanzanian government, through the Ministry of Minerals, has unveiled a special strategy to empower small-scale miners to advance and eventually own large-scale mining operations.
The initiative aims to facilitate access to capital, modern technology, and sustainable mining and business practices.
The announcement was made on March 27, 2025, in Dodoma by the Minister of Minerals, Hon. Anthony Mavunde, during a special meeting with leaders of the Federation of Miners Associations of Tanzania (FEMATA).
The meeting focused on discussing various issues affecting the mining sector to improve the development and management of mining and trade activities for the benefit of the sector and the nation at large.
Minister Mavunde emphasized that the strategy will help small-scale miners transition to medium-scale operations and eventually become owners of large-scale mines, contributing significantly to the national economy.
Special Program to Recognize Outstanding Small-Scale Miners
Minister Mavunde directed the Ministry’s officials, through the Mining Commission, to establish a system to identify small-scale miners who excel in their operations.
These miners will be included in a special program to receive phased support, enabling them to progress and benefit from their mining activities.
“We all recognize the contribution of small-scale miners to government revenues. We want to see them grow into medium-scale miners and eventually become large-scale operators. We are creating a system to identify those who are diligent and skilled in the sector and support them until they own large-scale mines. In the coming years, we want to see Tanzanian billionaires emerging from this sector,” said Minister Mavunde.
Government Guarantee Fund to Boost Capital for Miners
As part of the strategy, the government, through the Ministry of Finance, will utilize the Export Guarantee Scheme to enable small-scale miners to access affordable loans.
These loans will help them acquire modern machinery and equipment for mining, transitioning from trial mining to more productive and efficient operations.
“We aim to empower small-scale miners to own advanced equipment to increase their production and income. Through the guarantee fund, miners will access loans with favorable terms, enabling them to invest more in the mining sector,” Minister Mavunde added.
STAMICO Tasked with Enhancing Mineral Exploration Equipment
To ensure small-scale miners have accurate information about mineral-rich areas before starting operations, Minister Mavunde assigned the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) the responsibility of increasing the availability of exploration equipment.
This includes advanced drilling machines and other modern tools. STAMICO is also tasked with providing affordable services to small-scale miners to enable professional and efficient mining.
“The new rigs will not be distributed until we add modern equipment to ensure small-scale miners can not only extract but also process their minerals efficiently. We want miners to access quality services at affordable costs, which will significantly boost their production,” Minister Mavunde explained.
Inclusive Engagement with All Mining Stakeholders
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Minerals, Engineer Yahya Samamba, reiterated the government’s commitment to engaging all mining stakeholders without discrimination.
He emphasized that the government values the significant contribution of small-scale miners to the mining value chain and the national economy.
Engineer Samamba noted that the government continues to involve all groups of miners in addressing their challenges and proposing better ways to strengthen the sector.
This approach ensures that policies, laws, and regulations reflect the actual needs of stakeholders, including small-scale miners, to promote sustainable growth in the mining sector.
