THE Tanzania Minerals Corporation (STAMICO), which oversees small-scale miners in the country, has been tasked with increasing the supply of drilling equipment (rig machines) to ensure miners have access to accurate information about mineral-rich areas before starting their mining operations.

This initiative aligns with the efforts of the relevant ministry to create a supportive environment for small-scale miners, aiming to expand the sector and enhance its contribution to the country’s national income through mining.

Minister of Minerals, Antony Mavunde, said during a meeting with the Federation of Small-Scale Miners (FEMATA) held at the end of the week in Dodoma, where various sector-related issues were discussed.

Mavunde emphasised that STAMICO must ensure that small-scale miners receive modern mining equipment at affordable prices to help them mine in a professional, efficient, and productive manner.

“Once the rigs arrive, we will not distribute them until we have adapted modern equipment, so small-scale miners will not just be extracting minerals but also processing them simultaneously, significantly boosting their production,” Mavunde said.

He further clarified that the government is committed to ensuring small-scale miners receive quality tools at affordable rates, which will help them make significant contribution in their mining activities across different regions.

Mavunde also noted that small-scale miners have strong hopes of advancing and becoming key contributors to the country’s larger mining sector.

The Ministry of Minerals' Permanent Secretary, Yahya Semamba, highlighted that one of the resolutions from the meeting was to establish a joint team to advise the government on how to improve the economic situation of small-scale miners in various regions.

Other resolutions included reducing or eliminating certain fees that have posed challenges to small-scale miners in various areas.

Another key resolution was a call for the government to establish a board to assess mining activities, enabling miners to receive certification that would make them eligible for loans, thus increasing the capital available to expand their mining operations.

The Permanent Secretary said that the  resolutions, agreed upon during the meeting, will be implemented collectively to ensure the sector’s advancement, including the economic growth of   miners.