📍Mwanza
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals, Engineer Yahya Samamba, has directed officials of the Mining Commission, particularly Resident Mines Officers across the country, to strengthen safety and environmental supervision in mining operations through regular inspections, especially during the ongoing rainy season, in order to prevent accidents that may lead to serious injuries or loss of life.
Engineer Samamba issued the directive while officiating at the opening of the Second Workers’ Council Meeting of the Mining Commission held in Mwanza City. The meeting brought together key stakeholders including the Chairperson of the Mining Commission, Dr. Janet Lekashingo, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Engineer Ramadhani Lwamo, officials from the Ministry of Minerals, the Office of the Labour Commissioner, representatives from the Tanzania Government and Health Employees Union (TUGHE), as well as directors, managers and Resident Mines Officers from various regions.
He emphasised that miners’ safety must remain the foremost priority for all sector stakeholders, noting that the life of every miner carries significant national value.
“It is your responsibility to ensure all mining sites are inspected regularly and that operations posing safety risks are immediately suspended to safeguard the lives of Tanzanians while enabling them to benefit from the country’s mineral resources,” he said.
Engineer Samamba further urged the Commission to expand the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) across the entire mineral value chain from extraction and processing to mineral trade to enhance transparency, minimise corruption loopholes and ensure the Government receives rightful revenue collections.
He also underscored the importance of integrity and professional ethics among public servants to maintain public confidence and strengthen the positive institutional image of the Mining Commission.
Commending the Commission’s performance, Engineer Samamba noted that from July 2025 to 24 March 2026, the Mining Commission collected more than TSh 1 trillion, equivalent to over 111 per cent of the revenue target for the period.
He expressed confidence that the institution is well positioned to surpass the annual target of TSh 1.2 trillion by June 2026, resources expected to support national development projects including electricity, water supply, roads, education and other essential social services.
He added that mineral production, particularly gold, has continued to grow significantly, increasing from 54.06 tonnes valued at TSh 7.004 trillion in the 2022/2023 financial year to 66.88 tonnes worth TSh 12.265 trillion in 2024/2025. Between July 2025 and February 2026 alone, a total of 46.24 tonnes of gold valued at TSh 11.726 trillion were produced.
Speaking at the meeting, Mining Commission Chairperson Dr. Janet Lekashingo said the Commission’s achievements are reflected in increased revenue collections, which rose from TSh 360 billion in the 2017/2018 financial year to TSh 1.072 trillion in 2024/2025, demonstrating the mining sector’s growing contribution to national economic development.
On his part, the Executive Secretary of the Mining Commission, Engineer Ramadhani Lwamo, expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Minerals for continued improvements in the working environment for staff through enhanced welfare and the provision of working tools, including vehicles and computers distributed to Resident Mines Offices nationwide to improve operational efficiency.
Meanwhile, representatives from the Office of the Labour Commissioner and TUGHE commended the Mining Commission for strengthening Workers’ Council meetings, which provide employees with an opportunity to actively participate in reviewing and contributing ideas to draft budgets prior to their formal submission.
The meeting reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to promoting safe, transparent and sustainable mining operations as the sector continues to play a strategic role in Tanzania’s economic growth.
