MOROGORO: THE Tanzanian authorities has banned overseas nationals from partaking in small-scale mining actions, revoking their skill to function below the guise of offering technical help.
Speaking at a stakeholder session assembly in Morogoro yesterday, Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde defined that the ban addresses the widespread misuse of technical help agreements between native miners and overseas nationals.
“It is not sensible for a foreigner conduct mining actions utilizing small-scale mining license below the guise of offering technical help, whereas native miners see no actual advantages by way of expertise or capital, he mentioned on the assembly convened to assemble enter for the 2025 Mining Regulations for Technical Assistance to Small-Scale Mining License Holders.
“This was never the intention of the law, which was designed to develop and uplift small-scale miners,” mentioned Mr Mavunde.
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He mentioned these agreements, supposed to facilitate technological and capital enhancements for native miners, have as an alternative been exploited by foreigners to conduct mining operations utilizing small-scale mining licenses, with out offering tangible advantages to Tanzanian residents.
Mr Mavunde emphasised the necessity to defend and help native miners criticising the misuse of technical help agreements.
“In a short while, now we have seen vital progress within the mining sector, due to President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s dedication to empowering small-scale miners.
“Today, I direct the Mining Commissioner’s Office to assist these miners in advancing beyond their current stage.”
Mr Mavunde additionally issued a stern warning to small-scale miners in opposition to permitting overseas nationals onto their licenses with out correct authorisation, cautioning that violations might result in license revocation.
He additional directed mining officers nationwide to implement stricter management measures to forestall unauthorised overseas involvement.
Additionally, Mr Mavunde urged stakeholders on the assembly to brazenly share their views to assist form efficient and sensible laws aligned with Section 8(3) of the Mining Act, Chapter 123.
Deputy Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Minerals, Mr Msafiri Mbibo, reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication to gathering stakeholder enter to make sure the brand new laws improve productiveness within the mining sector.
“The Ministry is open and ready to receive all recommendations that will drive the sector forward,” he mentioned. Tanzania’s Small-Scale Miners Association President, Mr John Bina, praised the ministry for involving sector stakeholders in drafting the laws, slightly than making selections in isolation.
The assembly introduced collectively key stakeholders, together with small-scale mining leaders, ladies’s mining associations, and mineral merchants.