By Business Insider Reporter, Dodoma
In a significant boost to Tanzania’s small-scale mining sector, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has officially launched TSh12.41 billion (£3.8 million) worth of modern mineral exploration and drilling equipment dedicated to supporting artisanal and small-scale miners (ASMs).
The unveiling ceremony, held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre in Dodoma, marks a continuation of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan’s strategic reforms to enhance the performance, safety, and productivity of small-scale miners – a group that accounts for the majority of Tanzania’s mining labour force.
“This initiative addresses one of the biggest challenges faced by small-scale miners – operating without reliable geological data. With this equipment, we are changing that narrative,” said Prime Minister Majaliwa.
Responding to national demand
Majaliwa highlighted that the new machines double the number of dedicated small-scale drilling rigs following President Samia’s launch of five rigs in October 2023.
Due to the growing number of small-scale miners and their enthusiastic uptake of the services, the Ministry of Minerals was directed to acquire five additional rigs.
To date, the initial five rigs have served 16 mining groups, completing 3,450.37 metres of core drilling in various regions across Tanzania.
“This is transformative. Access to geological data empowers miners to operate more efficiently and safely, ultimately increasing productivity and formalising mining operations,” Majaliwa explained.
Boosting domestic mineral markets
In addition to enhancing exploration efforts, the Prime Minister urged small-scale miners to prioritise selling minerals within the country through Tanzania’s established network of 43 mineral markets and 109 buying centres. This, he said, will not only prevent smuggling but ensure that the benefits of the mineral economy are retained domestically.
“If you’re truly patriotic, sell your gold and minerals through our local markets. Let the value chain begin at home and benefit our economy,” Majaliwa emphasised.
Record performance in mining sector
Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, lauded the sector’s performance under the Samia administration.
In the current financial year alone, the mining sector has contributed TSh1.01 trillion to the national treasury – a historic achievement.
He also noted that the Bank of Tanzania currently holds 5.7 tonnes of gold reserves, placing Tanzania among Africa’s top 10 gold-reserve-holding nations.
“Under President Samia’s four years of leadership, the sector has undergone remarkable transformation, raising its contribution to GDP to 10.1%, a sharp rise ahead of schedule,” Mavunde noted.
Industry voices praise reforms
The mining community has responded positively. John Bina, President of the Federation of Miners Associations of Tanzania (FEMATA), praised the government’s efforts to integrate science and commerce in the sector.
“Mining is both a science and a business. With these reforms, Tanzanians are embracing new opportunities in mining. We, the small-scale miners, are aligned with our government and proud of the recognition it has given us,” said Bina.
From informality to industrial scale
The deployment of advanced geological equipment to the small-scale mining subsector is a strategic move with wide-ranging economic implications.
Not only does it promise to formalise operations and reduce environmental risks, but it also opens up pathways for investment, local beneficiation, and regional competitiveness. As Tanzania moves toward its vision of becoming a regional mining hub, empowering small-scale miners – who contribute significantly to gold, gemstones, and industrial mineral output – is a pivotal part of the national economic strategy under President Samia’s industrialisation agenda.
