The State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) has taken a major step forward by purchasing five new reef boring units, with an additional ten units expected soon. These acquisitions are part of a broader plan to boost the mining sector’s capacity and efficiency. The Minister of Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, highlighted this initiative during his opening speech at the 7th edition of the Geita International Mining Exhibition. This investment is part of the government’s 231 billion Tanzanian shilling budget allocation for the Minerals Ministry for the current financial year.
As part of a long-term strategy, the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) is also set to acquire an advanced survey plane. This aircraft will be equipped for nationwide airborne geological surveys, aiming to map out mineral deposits and rock formations across Tanzania. The goal is to identify valuable mineral resources, ensuring mining efforts are focused in the right areas.
Minister Mavunde shared ambitious financial goals for the sector, aiming to generate over one trillion Tanzanian shillings this fiscal year. The new drilling units are expected to play a key role in this effort. In addition to the five units already acquired, ten more units are expected in the coming weeks. The government plans to distribute the equipment across various mining zones. Two of these units will be specifically allocated to women and youth groups, following a directive from the President to support their involvement in the mining sector.
The Tanzania Mining Commission is also working to enhance service delivery. It plans to purchase 89 new vehicles and 140 motorbikes to facilitate operations in the sector. Minister Mavunde praised the government’s commitment to improving the sector, noting the significant increase in the ministry’s budget from under 90 billion to 231 billion Tanzanian shillings.
Mining’s contribution to Tanzania’s economy is growing rapidly. In 2017, the sector contributed significantly to the nation’s GDP. By 2025, the government expects mining to contribute up to 10% of the GDP. Revenue from the sector has also grown, rising from 161 billion shillings in 2015/16 to 753 billion shillings in 2023/24.
To support small-scale miners, the government has allocated 115 billion shillings for GST to purchase the aerial survey plane. This will help miners avoid wasted time and resources by focusing efforts on areas with viable mineral deposits. The survey will also guide the government in identifying new mining hotspots, helping small-scale operations target the right locations.
GST is also building a modern laboratory to test and certify mineral samples. Currently, miners must rely on private or foreign labs, which can be costly and inconvenient. The new facility will streamline this process, providing local miners with a reliable and affordable testing option. Additionally, a minerals measurement lab is being installed in Geita to further enhance technological support for the sector.et to drive even more significant economic growth in the coming years.
