Tanzania Minerals Minister directs mining blocks reserved for youth, women
Tanzania's Minerals Minister Anthony Mavunde has launched a new program to modernize the mining sector through scientific exploration rather than superstition. The government is also mandating that mining blocks be reserved for youth, women, and persons with disabilities to promote equitable economic growth.
Why it matters
This initiative aims to professionalize small-scale mining in Tanzania, reducing financial risks for local miners and fostering inclusive economic development.
Tarime. Minerals Minister Anthony Mavunde has urged Tanzanians to abandon superstitions surrounding the mining sector, attributing financial ruin among miners to speculative extraction rather than witchcraft.
Speaking in Tarime District, Mara Region, on Monday, August 31, 2026, during the launch of the Building Better Tomorrow–Mining (BBT-M) Programme, Mr Mavunde said the government is deploying scientific exploration to eliminate guesswork.
During the event, the minister launched a Barrick North Mara Gold Mine exploration aircraft and directed it to survey the Majimoto small-scale mining site in Butiama District.
He noted that miners frequently default on loans after investing in small gold reefs that run out unexpectedly.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in