Tanzania and Uganda Collaborate to Enhance Mining Sector Management

Tanzania has engaged with Uganda in a groundbreaking partnership to share mining sector expertise, focusing on artisanal and small-scale operations. Key representatives from both nations met to discuss sustainable practices, regulatory improvements, and the role of various institutions, with an emphasis on regional cooperation to optimize Africa’s mineral resources.

On December 3, 2024, high-profile officials from Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development convened with Tanzanian mining experts in Dodoma to exchange knowledge on mining sector management. The meeting, organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), focused on best practices in managing artisanal and small-scale mining operations, aiming to enhance regional development through collaboration.

Tanzania’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals, Yahya Samamba, expressed how Tanzania’s achievements since 1961 in value addition and regulatory frameworks have benefited small-scale mining operations. He highlighted the essential contributions of institutions like the Geological Survey of Tanzania, the State Mining Corporation, and the Tanzania Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative in promoting sustainable mining practices.

Irene Bateebe, Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development representative, acknowledged Tanzania’s successful management strategies and pledged to implement similar frameworks in Uganda to improve conditions for small-scale miners while enhancing knowledge sharing. UNDP National Coordinator Godfrey Nyamrunda emphasized the imperative of regional collaboration in leveraging Africa’s mineral wealth and fostering sustainable practices.

Tanzania’s Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, reiterated the country’s commitment to enforcing mineral regulations effectively, resulting in decreased smuggling and greater local involvement in mining initiatives. Both nations acknowledged Uganda’s efforts in streamlining mining regulations with a new law aimed at enhancing its artisanal and small-scale mining sector, significant for construction and agriculture.

Tanzania and Uganda are both rich in mineral resources, with a particular focus on artisanal and small-scale mining. Artisanal mining activities are vital in both countries for employment and economic development, mainly within rural communities. The ongoing collaboration between Tanzania and Uganda seeks to improve knowledge exchange and capacity building in the mining sector, particularly in sustainable practices and effective regulatory frameworks. This partnership is intended to promote growth while addressing challenges faced by small-scale miners.

The recent collaboration between Tanzania and Uganda highlights an important step towards enhancing mining management and regulations in both nations. By sharing expertise and best practices, these countries aim to improve the conditions for small-scale miners and promote sustainable resource development. The efforts of the UNDP to facilitate such partnerships are crucial in maximizing the potential of Africa’s natural resources, ultimately benefiting local communities and economies.

Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz