TSh2.3bn for issue to boost small Scale Miners

Dodoma. Small scale miners have a reason to smile following the government’s commitment to allocate 2,166sqkm of land that are nown up for grabs for whoever want to conduct mining. The government has also allocated Sh2.3 billion to facilitate loans for implementing 18 mining projects countrywide.

Deputy minister for Energy and Minerals Charles Kitwanga told the National Assembly -- in response to question by Prof Kulikoyela Kahigi -- that allocation of plots for artisanal miners was enshrined in Section 16 of the Mining Act, 2010 and the Mining (Mineral Rights) Regulations of 2010.

The law states that where the minister, after consultation with the board, determines that it would be in the interest of orderly development of the mining industry in Tanzania, he may, by order published in the Government Gazette, designate any vacant area or declare any area exclusively reserved for prospecting and mining operations by persons holding primary mining licences.

In his question, Prof Kahigi expressed the complaint of miners in Tulawaka, Bukombe, Geita and Kahama, who have lamented that they have been denied plots for mining. The MP wanted the minister to give his commitment as to when the small miners would be allocated plots.

In his response, Mr Kitwanga said the government had been allocating plots of land to small scale miners in a bid to maximise employment opportunities as well as creating good relationship between miners and other land users.“Until now, 25 plots covering 2,166km have been allocated to small scale miners in different areas countrywide; furthermore, 8,800 plots covering 2,047km have been distributed to miners in those areas,’’ he said.

The deputy minister advised that small scale miners in Tulawaka, Bukombe, Geita and Kahama should submit their applications to the mining officer so as to be allocated plots.

Mr Kitwanga said the government has been providing loans and subsidies to small scale miners. He added that in April 2014, Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda handed over a cheque of $537,000 (about Sh860 million ) for the implementation of 11 projects for small scale miners.

(Source: Citizen; May 21)

With that information, the question to be asked: How many women will be able to access those funds to boost their mining activities. What mechanism are in place which ensures women access to these funds and land?