Tanzania revokes 1,505 mining licenses in Chunya to empower small-scale miners

Chunya. In an effort to empower small-scale miners, the government has revoked 1,505 mining licenses in Chunya District, Mbeya Region, citing neglect and abandonment of allocated plots.

The Ministry of Minerals announced that the revoked areas will now be redistributed to small-scale miners, known locally as MBEREMA.

Chunya, rich in gold deposits, is crucial to the economic growth of both the region and the country. However, many mining plots had been left underutilized by wealthy operators, known as ‘Madigala’, depriving small-scale miners of opportunities.

Chairman of the Mbeya Small-Scale Miners Association (MBEREMA), Saddam Kyando, praised the government’s decision, calling it a game-changer for local miners. “This move opens doors for many miners who have struggled without proper licenses. We are focused on encouraging miners to join MBEREMA to fully benefit from these allocations,” Kyando said. He also announced plans to establish association branches across the district and work with local ward offices to mobilize miners.

Msabira Miraji, a gold buyer in Chunya, welcomed the initiative but urged the government to introduce banking services at the local mineral market. “This will improve efficiency and ensure the safety of our earnings,” he said.

Mbeya Regional Mining Officer Laurent Mayala lauded the redistribution process, which addresses the challenges of small-scale miners who lacked access to mining plots. District Commissioner Mbaraka Batenga explained that the move aims to better utilize Chunya’s abundant resources, which include gold and agriculture, especially tobacco farming.

Highlighting mining’s role in national revenue, Batenga emphasized that empowering small-scale miners will contribute to sustainable economic growth and strengthen Chunya’s economic impact.

The government’s decision reflects a commitment to fostering inclusivity in the mining sector, addressing long-standing issues faced by small-scale miners.