Mbinga, Ruvuma – Tanzania’s Minister of Minerals, Hon. Anthony Mavunde, has called on coal production companies to take a bold step toward investing in domestic electricity generation. Speaking at a stakeholder meeting in Mbinga on September 16, 2024, the minister praised coal companies for their significant contributions to the mining sector and urged further investments to enhance Tanzania’s energy supply.
Mavunde noted the substantial progress made in coal production under the favorable investment climate established by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan. Policies such as the 4R philosophy have played a key role in attracting major investors to the mining sector, enabling the sector to make rapid gains. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Ministry of Minerals, the mining sector is expected to contribute 10% to Tanzania’s GDP by 2025, driven by strong mineral exports, including high-quality coal from Mbinga.
The minister also commended the Ruvuma mining region for exceeding its revenue collection target by 112% in the first two months of FY 2024/25. This success, he said, demonstrates the region’s growing role in the mining sector and its positive impact on local employment and community development.
While recognizing the progress made, Mavunde urged coal companies to comply with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) regulations and prioritize local content in service provision. He also encouraged them to explore clean energy initiatives by generating electricity from coal, aligning with global sustainability trends.
District Commissioner Hon. Kisare Makore and local MPs Hon. Benaya Kapinga and Hon. Jonas Mbunda expressed their gratitude to the government for addressing community and investor challenges, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration for the region’s growth.
Tanzania’s coal sector is poised for further growth, and the government is keen to ensure that these advancements translate into sustainable benefits for both the economy and local communities.
