Today in Dar es Salaam, Deputy Minister of Minerals, Dr. Steven Kiruswa, emphasized that mineral value addition is a top priority for the Tanzanian government. Speaking at the closing of a three-day gemstone value addition training organized by the Tanzania Women in Mining and Mineral Industry (TWIMMI) at the African Minerals and Geosciences Centre (AMGC), Dr. Kiruswa underscored the importance of enhancing the value of minerals within the country to maximize benefits for Tanzanians.
Dr. Kiruswa highlighted that the 2009 Mineral Policy and the Mining Act mandate in-country value addition to increase local employment, foster technological advancement, and boost government revenue. He called on youth and women to seize opportunities in the gemstone sector, noting that Tanzania is blessed with a variety of gemstones.
The Deputy Minister also stressed the government’s directive that large-scale mining licenses must include provisions for value addition within Tanzania. He cited ongoing efforts, such as the construction of gold refining plants in various regions and the anticipated establishment of Tembo Nickel Refining Limited in Kahama, which will be a major metal refining facility.
Dr. Kiruswa also introduced the new “Mining for Brighter Tomorrow” (MBT) program, which aims to empower women and youth in the mining sector by providing them with licenses, equipment, and training opportunities. He urged the youth to form mining groups to take full advantage of the program.
During the event, Dr. Kiruswa distributed 30 gemstone identification tools to participants, emphasizing their importance in advancing the participants’ work in the value-addition process. He also called for closer collaboration between AMGC and the Tanzania Gemological Centre (TGC) to ensure the development of skilled experts in gemstone value addition.
TWIMMI Chairperson, Palina Ninje, took the opportunity to request the Ministry to allocate a joint mining area for their members and facilitate access to affordable loans through financial institutions. She praised the government’s ongoing efforts to provide training and resources to support youth and women in the mining industry.
AMGC Executive Director, Ibrahim Shaddad, encouraged the youth to utilize the center to gain expertise in mineral value addition, reiterating AMGC’s commitment to benefiting both member countries and Tanzanians.
This event marks a significant step towards achieving the government’s vision of leveraging Tanzania’s mineral wealth for sustainable economic development and social prosperity.
