GOVERNMENT STRENGTHENS SUPPORT FOR SMALL-SCALE MINERS, EMPHASIZES MINE SAFETY

📍KAHAMA

The government has continued to emphasize the importance of empowering Chief Mine Inspectors and small-scale miners across the country in order to improve workplace safety, protect the environment, and increase the mining sector’s contribution to national economic growth.

The call was made today, April 23, 2026, in Kahama District, Shinyanga Region, by the Director of Licensing Services at the Mining Commission, Engineer Aziza Swedi, while opening a training session for managers and Chief Mine Inspectors in the small-scale mining sector. She was representing the Executive Secretary of the Mining Commission, Engineer Ramadhani Lwamo.

The training brings together participants from key mining regions including Kahama, Mbogwe, and Shinyanga, with the aim of strengthening technical knowledge, improving mine management, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and promoting safe and sustainable mining practices.

Speaking at the event, Eng. Swedi said that Chief Mine Inspectors must be given cooperation and an enabling environment to effectively carry out their duties. This, she noted, will help prevent accidents in mines, protect miners’ health, and preserve the surrounding environment.

She added that the success of the government’s efforts to empower small-scale miners depends on the collaboration of all stakeholders, particularly mine managers and inspectors, who play a critical role in enforcing compliance with laws, regulations, and safety standards.

“The government aims to ensure that mining activities continue to contribute to national development while being conducted in a safe manner that does not harm the environment, miners’ health, or community well-being,” she said.

She further noted that through effective supervision, the country can achieve the goal set by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, of increasing the mining sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from the current 10 percent to 12.5 percent by 2030.

Eng. Swedi explained that small-scale miners already contribute approximately 40 percent of the revenue generated from mining activities, highlighting their importance to the national economy. She urged mine owners to maintain proper production records and documentation to ensure the government receives its due revenue on time.

She also warned about the dangers of unregulated mining practices, citing the improper use of hazardous chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, as well as exposure to silica dust, which can cause serious diseases including silicosis, tuberculosis, and cancer.

On his part, the Director of Mine Inspection and Environment at the Mining Commission, Engineer Hamisi Kamando, said that Chief Mine Inspectors must regularly submit inspection reports to enable the government to identify potential hazards early and take preventive measures in time.

He noted that challenges still exist in some mining areas, including violations of laws, lack of accurate production records, tax evasion, and mineral smuggling. He said the training aims to equip participants with the skills to become ambassadors of compliance within the sector.

“We want to see miners enter the mines safely and return home safely every day. Human life is far more valuable than minerals,” said Eng. Kamando.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Shinyanga Regional Small-Scale Miners Association (SHIREMA), Hamza Tandiko, emphasized the importance of professionalism among miners and accurate reporting of mining activities. He also commended the role of inspectors in reducing accidents and hazards in mining areas.