The government has unveiled a special strategy to support small-scale miners in advancing their operations and eventually becoming large-scale investors in the mining sector.
This initiative aims to facilitate access to capital, modern technology, and sustainable mining and business development skills.
Minister of Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, announced this on March 27, 2025, in Dodoma 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 and exploring ways to enhance its growth and management for the benefit of both the sector and the nation.
Minister Mavunde emphasized that the initiative will enable small-scale miners to transition into medium-scale miners and eventually own large mines that significantly contribute to the national economy.
"We want to see small-scale miners progress to medium-scale and ultimately own major mining enterprises. We are establishing a framework to identify hardworking and skilled miners, enabling them to reach the level of owning large-scale mines. In the coming years, we aim to have Tanzanian billionaires emerging from this sector," he stated.
To achieve this, he directed the Ministry of Minerals, through the Mining Commission, to develop a system for identifying outstanding small-scale miners who will be included in a phased support program to help them grow and reap the benefits of mining.
"Recognizing the contribution of small-scale miners to government revenues, we must ensure that they get the right support to transform their operations," he added.
As part of this strategy, the government, through the Ministry of Finance, will utilize the Export Guarantee Scheme to provide affordable loans to small-scale miners.
This initiative will help them purchase modern machinery and mining equipment, moving them from experimental mining to more advanced and productive operations.
"We want to empower miners to acquire high-quality equipment to increase their productivity and revenue. Through this scheme, miners will access low-interest loans that will enable them to invest more in the mining sector," Minister Mavunde affirmed.
To further support small-scale miners, the Minister instructed the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) to expand its mineral exploration equipment and drilling machines to help miners obtain accurate geological information before commencing mining activities.
"We will not distribute the rigs until we have acquired additional modern equipment, allowing miners to not only extract minerals but also process them immediately. We want them to access high-quality services at affordable rates, which will significantly boost their production," he emphasized.
In response to these government efforts, small-scale miners under FEMATA have organized a grand peaceful march to express their gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her commitment to improving their working conditions.
FEMATA President John Bina acknowledged the transformative impact of President Samia’s administration on the mining sector, highlighting improvements in capital accessibility, licensing procedures, and opportunities for small-scale miners to own large-scale mines.
"We have witnessed how President Samia’s government values small-scale miners. We have been given access to affordable financing, improved licensing processes, and now the opportunity to own major mining sites. We deeply appreciate her efforts and will hold a march to show our support for her tremendous work in the sector," Bina stated.
Furthermore, the government remains committed to inclusivity by engaging all mining groups without discrimination.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Minerals, Engineer Yahya Samamba, affirmed the government’s recognition of small-scale miners' significant role in the mining value chain and national economic growth.
"We are committed to ensuring that all miners, regardless of their scale, have a voice in shaping policies that govern the sector. Their input is essential in creating a conducive environment for sustainable growth," he stated.
This approach aims to ensure that policies, laws, and regulations align with the actual needs of mining stakeholders, particularly small-scale miners, to foster sustainable growth in the industry.