The State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) has highlighted its decision to involve women in distributing its newly introduced clean cooking energy product, Rafiki Briquettes.

This initiative not only aims to make them environmental conservation ambassadors but also seeks to empower them financially and economically.

STAMICO Director, Dr. Venance Mwase, made the remarks during a tree-planting exercise in the Amboni area on the outskirts of Tanga city. 

The event, coordinated jointly by the 'Wanawake na Samia' group and STAMICO, aimed to promote environmental conservation while introducing Rafiki Briquettes as an alternative clean cooking energy to the community.

Dr. Mwase emphasized that STAMICO's environmental conservation efforts go beyond just planting trees. The corporation actively monitors the growth of the trees and strongly discourages unnecessary deforestation.

"Clean cooking energy is part of President Samia Suluhu Hassan's agenda. I commend the women of Tanga for supporting the President's initiative, and we will continue to assist you in this effort, which not only protects the environment but also promotes better health," said Dr. Mwase.

He also noted that Rafiki Briquettes will be sold at affordable prices to accommodate various economic statuses. 

Tanga women will play a key role in distributing the briquettes, promoting them among other women who are often the most affected by the smoke from firewood and charcoal. 

The women will also benefit from sales commissions.

Dr. Mwase further explained that, like other environmental stakeholders, STAMICO is committed to environmental conservation. 

This includes identifying sources of environmental degradation and offering alternative solutions, such as raising awareness about afforestation and promoting the use of clean cooking energy to reduce deforestation caused by the demand for firewood and charcoal.

"Research on Rafiki Briquettes has been completed, and production has already started. We introduced the product in Tanga and selected the 'Wanawake na Samia' group to be ambassadors of Rafiki Briquettes due to their dedication to environmental conservation. This initiative aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan's clean cooking energy agenda while also empowering women economically," he added.

Rafiki Briquettes are smokeless coal briquettes designed as an alternative energy source for domestic use. The production involves using coal dust and other supplementary materials. The project was initiated to support the government's efforts in environmental preservation by addressing deforestation.

The State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) is a wholly government-owned corporation, established in 1977 to strategically invest in exploration and mining projects.