Govt bans dealers buying minerals directly from artisanal miners
MINISTRY of Minerals has banned foreign mineral dealers from buying precious stones, especially gemstone, directly from local small miners, instead, they should go to registered mineral markets.
Meanwhile, the ministry said the revenue from the mining sector has gone up to 753.8bn/- in June 2024 from 677bn/- in June 2023.
The announcement was made here over the weekend by the Minister for Minerals, Mr Anthony Mavunde who said the increasing trend in revenue collection is impressing, which is 85.45 per cent of the target.
He said from 2019/2020 to 2023/2024 revenue collections in the mining sector have been increasing annually, expressing optimistic that it will reach 999.9bn/- in 2024/25 financial year.
He mentioned the sources including royalties, annual license fees, mineral inspection fees, geological fees, laboratory service charges and various penalties.
Minister used the opportunity to express the government’s commitment to take stern measures against mineral smuggling, which deny the government the needed revenue.
“We will continue to take strict measures against all those involved in mineral smuggling, the country must benefit from this sector, there are some people who are not trustworthy,” said Mr Mavunde.
“There are some of our employees who are not trustworthy in their areas and are contributing to loss of government revenues; we are in a special operation,” he added.
Additionally, he banned foreigners from conducting mining activities in small-scale mining areas without technical assistance agreements (TSA).
He said the laws, regulations, guidelines and procedures are essential in managing the development and welfare of the mining sector.
Mr Mavunde stressed that the ministry will continue to oversee the Legal and Regulatory Framework of the Mining Sector, including taking appropriate action against those found violating the laws and regulations governing this sector.
“There has been a habit of small-scale mining license owners making unofficial agreements with foreigners and allowing them to work on their licences.
He pointed out that Section 8(3) of the Mining Act, Chapter 123, makes it clear that, for the holder of a small-scale mining licence, when they need technical assistance not available in the country, they are allowed to enter into agreements with a foreigner to get that service after those agreements are approved by the Mining Commission.
He emphasized that the Ministry is in the process of completing the preparation of regulations on how foreigners can enter smallscale licences for technical assistance.
“The government will not hesitate to take strict legal action against holders of small-scale mining licences and foreigners found violating the legal requirements.”
Source: https://dailynews.co.tz/