Small-Scale Miners in Simiyu Raise Their Voices: “We Can Do More If Given Electricity and Loans”





Simiyu


Small-scale miners in Simiyu Region have called on the government and financial institutions to support them by providing reliable electricity and affordable loans, saying the lack of these essentials has been a major obstacle to increasing mineral production—particularly gold.


One of the female miners from the Tanzania Women Miners Association (TAWOMA) in the region, Anisia Japhet, said they have been incurring high operational costs due to dependence on diesel-powered machinery.


> “We use diesel, which is expensive. Eighty liters are consumed within 24 hours. If we had a stable power supply, our costs would drop significantly, and productivity would increase,” said Anisia.


She added that mining is not a job for men only, but an opportunity that can greatly benefit hardworking women.


> “As a woman, I’ve managed to educate my children and sustain my livelihood through mining. Every month, we process an average of 100 bags of ore, and each bag can yield one gram or more of gold,” she added.


For his part, Paul Ntalima, the Manager of TAWOMA Mine, said they operate 24 production pits, but only 14 are currently active due to high operating costs.


> “Small-scale miners have the potential to double their productivity if provided with low-interest loans. We create employment for over 400 youth and women. This sector not only generates income but also improves people’s lives. If connected to the national grid, our production would increase two- to threefold,” Ntalima stated.




Meanwhile, Mussa Kazidijshi, the Executive Officer of Ludovic Mlalo & Partners Mine, said their mine employs more than 200 workers and contributes to community development projects, including road construction.


> “The community benefits especially during the rainy season when roads are improved, and outbreaks of diseases are reduced. With affordable credit and reliable electricity, our production could triple,” said Kazidijshi.




Commenting on these challenges, the Simiyu Regional Mining Officer, Mayigi Makolobela, said the government, through the Mining Commission in collaboration with TANESCO, is in ongoing discussions to ensure all small-scale mining areas in the region receive a stable electricity supply.


> “TANESCO has pledged to extend electricity to all small-scale mining zones in Simiyu to enhance production and lower operational costs,” Makolobela said.




He added that the government continues to conduct geological surveys in various mining zones to help small-scale miners engage in more productive and sustainable operations.


> “My appeal to financial institutions is to reconsider how they lend to small-scale miners. They have real assets, ready markets, and traceable financial records—they can repay loans,” he emphasized.




Makolobela also revealed that Simiyu Region currently has five mineral buying centers and one main trading market located in Bariadi Town, where most mineral business activities take place.


He further commended miners for their continued participation in community initiatives through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, citing examples such as TAWOMA and EMJ groups, which have donated more than 90 desks to Majengo Primary School as part of their community support efforts.

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