The Minister of Minerals, Antony Mavunde has commended the mining companies’ efforts in enabling many Tanzanians to continue benefiting from the sector's value chain through local content.

The minister was the guest of honor at the fourth forum for the implementation of Tanzanian participation in the mining sector, held under the theme "Increased Participation of Tanzanians in the Mining Sector: A Catalyst for Tanzania's Economic Growth” organized by the Mining Commission.

For his part, the Minister of Minerals, Mavunde, stated that the mining sector contributed 9.0 percent to the national GDP last year.

"The achievements in the mining sector are significant, and as I speak, this mining sector has contributed 985bn/- billion to the government's consolidated fund. These are very big achievements in the mining sector," said Mavunde.

He added that the sixth-phase government under Samia Suluhu Hassan issued directives to build gold reserves, and within eight months, the Bank of Tanzania (BOT) has gold reserves of 5.2 tons.

"This mining sector is growing rapidly; among other things, nine gold processing and refining plants are being constructed to enhance the value chain," said Mavunde.

He also mentioned that in the implementation of Tanzanian participation in the mining sector through the Local Content regulations, there are 16,874 Tanzanians employed in the mining sector in the country.

"In this regard, Tanzanians' employment extends beyond just workers to even the top management levels of mining companies. For example, Barrick's country manager here is a Tanzanian, Dr. Melkiory Ngido," said Mavunde.

He further elaborated that it is crucial for Tanzanian service providers to maintain professionalism in their service delivery to the mines (compliance) and to build a culture of cooperation by working together for greater efficiency.

The Chairperson of the Mining Commission, Dr. Janet Lekashigo, urged stakeholders to continue participating in the mining forum to bring and stimulate ideas on the role of Tanzanian participation in the country's mining sector.

Dr. Lekashigo stated that the forum aims to stimulate new ideas and academic discussions to help Tanzanians participate in the mining sector's economy.

"This fourth forum is for discussions, ideas, and bringing positive thoughts to stimulate changes in Tanzanian participation in the mining sector so that they can benefit from these mineral resources in their areas," said Dr. Lekashigo.

She added that the importance of the forum is also to come up with various proposals on how best to empower and open doors for indigenous Tanzanians to undertake more contracting and tendering work in the country's mines.

Explaining the implementation of this policy, Barrick North Mara's Supply Unit Head, Enock Otieno, representing the Barrick Country Manager, stated that Barrick, operating in the country in partnership with the government through Twiga Minerals, is committed to continuing the implementation of the Local Content policy in the mining sector. This ensures that the sector benefits more Tanzanians from its investments.

Due to the practical implementation of this policy, Barrick-Twiga's North Mara and Bulyanhulu mines hold a record of receiving awards from various government institutions in recognition of their contributions.

He said that the Twiga-Barrick mines offer many opportunities for indigenous Tanzanians to participate in the mining sector.

He added that the company has spent 1.2trn/- on purchases from local suppliers, which is equivalent to 75 percent of their total procurement.

"We are ready to continue purchasing goods produced by local industries; the important thing is to ensure the quality of these products," he said.