Mining-sector milestones propel national economic contribution to 10 %
DODOMA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has highlighted major strides made in the country’s mining sector during her four years in office, revealing that the sector now contributes 10 per cent to the national economy up from 6.8 per cent recorded in 2020.
Addressing the Parliament yesterday in Dodoma, President Samia said the growth reflects her administration’s commitment to formalising and empowering the sector, particularly small-scale miners whose contribution to mineral revenues has now reached 40 per cent.
She attributed the success to increased investment in minerals purchasing and marketing centres, as well as enhanced support for artisanal miners. The number of mineral purchasing centres has grown from 61 in November 2020 to 109 in 2024, while mineral markets have increased from 41 to 43.
Further, she said the government, in collaboration with the private sector, has established internationally recognised gold processing plants in Mwanza, Dodoma, Dar es Salaam, Geita and Chunya, enhancing value addition and reducing mineral smuggling.