OVER 1.063trn/- in revenue has been collected from the mining sector in the outgoing 2024/25 financial year.

Yahya Samamba, the Minerals permanent secretary, cited this achievement at the closing ceremony for the ministerial staff annual bonanza, noting that the sector’s revenue collections had surpassed the 1trn/- revenue target for the financial year.

There were no new mines opened during the year and still revenue collections rose significantly, he said, noting that efficiency and further growth of existing mining operations explain this result.

"In previous years, we never approached 900bn/-, but this year we have collected an average of 84bn/- per month," he said, underlining that the ministry was now targeting 1.2trn/- for fiscal 2025/26.

He urged ministerial staff and the various stakeholders to intensify their efforts in revenue collection, underlining that the mining sector is a key contributor to domestic revenue.

He alluded to reminders by President Samia Suluhu Hassan concerning strengthening revenue collections to augment the country’s efforts to become self-reliant in its development objectives.

He praised staff at the ministry and its affiliated institutions, attributing the surpassing of the target to their staff dedication and collaborative spirit. Unity and professionalism need to be fostered to expand the sector's contribution to the wider economy, he stated.

He listed major government agencies supervised by the ministry, like the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST), the Tanzania Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (TEITI), the Mining Commission, the Tanzania Gemmological Centre (TGC), asserting that staff in these agencies and in the ministry are all part of this success and must work together. Inter-institutional synergy is vital, he stated.

He praised the government's strategic decision to begin purchasing gold as an aspect of currency reserves, affirming that it is a crucial move that strengthens the country’s financial security.

It is a significant shift from previous years when gold reserves were not prioritized while the central bank is now tasked with purchasing 20 percent of the gold they obtain from BoT to boost currency stability.

The ministry’s leadership would make visits to meet with staff in the various ministerial institutions to hear the challenges they face and how to address them, he said, asking civil servants to actively participate in the upcoming national elections.

Dr Janeth Lekashingo, chairperson of the Mining Commission, stressed on the spirit of unity, urging workers to build strong relationships and embrace a culture of exercise for improved health and productivity.

Ramadhan Lwamo, the commission’s executive secretary, underscored the importance of physical fitness in boosting workplace performance, at an event celebrating achievements, promoting staff well-being and institutional solidarity

 /ends/jz/sm