Mirerani to auction Sh3.1 billion worth of minerals By Bertha Ismail

Mirerani to auction Sh3.1 billion worth of minerals By Bertha Ismail

Mirerani. Precious minerals worth Sh3.1 billion are set to be auctioned in Mirerani Ward, Simanjiro District, on December 14, 2024.

The auction will feature 184.06 grams of gemstones and minerals, including Tanzanite.

The government has pledged to return any unsold minerals to respective dealers, a reversal of the policy from the 2017 mineral auction, when unsold stones were confiscated by the Bank of Tanzania (BoT).

The decision follows widespread complaints from miners and dealers after the 2017 auction.

Minerals minister Anthony Mavunde, officially launched the auction in Manyara Region, emphasizing that the government was committed to enhancing the value of locally sourced minerals.

He assured participants that unsold items would not be confiscated, as had occurred in 2017.

“Miners should not worry if their minerals do not sell; the government will return them,” said Mr Mavunde.

He also reiterated that the government was working to improve the mining investment climate and curb illegal activities such as smuggling, which undermined the sector’s potential.

The minister outlined ambitious revenue goals, including generating over Sh1 trillion for the national fund by June 2025, an increase from the Sh753 billion raised during the 2023/2024 fiscal year.

He reported that the sector had already raised Sh434 billion this year, with a target of Sh500 billion by the end of December.

The auction will feature 195 participants, including 59 major buyers, 120 small-scale buyers, nine miners, and seven value-added product experts.

Manyara Regional Commissioner Queen Sendiga highlighted that the auction would boost the local economy and enhance the value of Mirerani’s minerals.

“The ongoing construction of a new mineral market in Mirerani will also support both small and large-scale dealers once completed,” Ms Sendiga added.

Simanjiro Member of Parliament Christopher Ole Sendeka commended the government for bringing the auction to Mirerani, but criticised the stringent security checks that caused delays for participants.

Lucid Dream Ltd Managing Director Upendo Kibona expressed optimism about the auction’s potential, noting it would bring together a wide range of sellers and buyers.

Ms Kibona also called for more international auctions, as a long hiatus has hurt mineral trade value.

The Tanzania Mineral Traders Association (Chamata) chairman, Mr Jeremiah Kituyo, welcomed the return of the auction, saying it would help raise the profile of Tanzanian minerals on the global stage.

“This will not only increase the value of our minerals, but also will promote Tanzania as the exceptional home of Tanzanite, attracting international tourists and investors,” Mr Kituyo added.

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Tanzania Declares Marburg Outbreak – Africa CDC Mobilizes Immediate Response
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Tanzania Declares Marburg Outbreak – Africa CDC Mobilizes Immediate Response

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Addis Ababa, January 20, 2025</Strong> — Tanzania has declared a Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak after confirming one case and identifying 25 suspected cases in the Kagera Region of Northwestern Tanzania. The Marburg virus, a highly infectious and often fatal disease, is similar to Ebola and is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and monkeys. This outbreak marks the nation’s second encounter with the deadly virus, following the outbreak in Bukoba District of Kagera Region in March 2023, which resulted in nine cases and six deaths.

In response to this urgent threat, the Africa CDC is mobilizing strong support to help Tanzania contain the outbreak. A team of twelve public health experts will be deployed as part of an advance mission in the next 24 hours. The multidisciplinary team includes epidemiologists, risk communication, infection prevention and control (IPC), and laboratory experts to provide on-ground support for surveillance, IPC, diagnostics, and community engagement.

The Director-General of Africa CDC, Dr. Jean Kaseya, has engaged with Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the Minister of Health to ensure coordinated efforts and secure political commitment for the response.

“Africa CDC stands firmly with Tanzania in this critical moment. To support the government’s efforts, we are committing US$ 2 million to bolster immediate response measures, including deploying public health experts, strengthening diagnostics, and enhancing case management. Building on Tanzania’s commendable response during the 2023 outbreak, we are confident that swift and decisive action, combined with our support and those of other partners, will bring this outbreak under control,” Dr. Kaseya stated.

Africa CDC has recently supported efforts to enhance the diagnostic and sequencing capacity of public health laboratories in Tanzania. PCR Test kits and genomic sequencing reagents have been dispatched, with additional supplies in the pipeline. To ensure rapid identification and confirmation of cases, the institution will also provide technical assistance to strengthen detection and genome sequencing for better characterization of the pathogen. Additionally, support will be provided to improve case management protocols and enhance the capacity to deliver safe and effective treatment.

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Source: allafrica.com

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