Tanzania launches MBT initiative to enable people with special needs to engage fully in mining

**TARIME: **THE Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde has officially launched the Mining for a Brighter Tomorrow (MBT) Programme, popularly known as “Kesho Iliyo Njema”, describing it as a strategic government initiative aimed at opening up opportunities and empowering youth, women and people with special needs to participate fully in the mining sector.

Mr Mavunde said the programme seeks to help beneficiaries move away from informal and speculative mining towards productive mining based on knowledge, technology and accurate geological information.

He said the government would continue creating an enabling environment for citizens to access mining areas, licences and various economic opportunities arising from the country’s mineral resources.

Minister Mavunde made the remarks today, August 31, 2026, at Nyamongo in Tarime District, Mara Region, during the launch of the programme, which coincided with the commencement of detailed mineral exploration by Barrick Gold Corporation.

In his address, Mr Mavunde commended and thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her directives and vision to create an enabling environment for youth, women and people with special needs to participate in the mining sector.

He said President Samia had directed that 10 per cent of revenue collected from the mining sector be set aside for detailed mineral exploration, a move aimed at increasing geological information on the country’s mineral resources and creating more opportunities for citizens.

The Minister also thanked Barrick for agreeing to conduct exploration in areas designated for small-scale miners in Nyamongo, saying the exercise could cover an area of approximately 6,000 square kilometres within two weeks.

He said the government’s intention was to ensure that the findings from the exploration are translated into tangible opportunities for citizens, particularly small-scale miners.

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Mr Mavunde directed the Mining Commissioner, in collaboration with the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) and the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO), to engage with Barrick and ensure that once the exploration is completed, drilling equipment is brought to Nyamongo for the next phase of exploration.

He said the launch of the MBT Programme marked the beginning of a new journey towards building a “Brighter Tomorrow” in Tanzania’s mining sector.

Mr Mavunde further said the President of the World Gold Council had expressed interest in the MBT Programme, adding that young people from Nyamongo would be among the first beneficiaries of the initiative.

“We are planting the seed and beginning the journey. Today, you are starting a journey to transform your lives, and I will oversee this programme to ensure that we achieve our goal,” Mr Mavunde said.

He also directed Resident Mining Officers in mining regions to accelerate implementation of the programme by ensuring that specific areas are set aside for youth and women and that licences are issued promptly to enable them to engage in mining activities.

Mr Mavunde said implementation of the MBT Programme should go hand in hand with government revenue collection, adding that he wanted to see new licensing opportunities being provided to young people on a daily basis through the programme.

The Minister also urged youth mining leaders to set aside their differences, work together and avoid dividing young people, stressing that the government would not allow group conflicts to hinder implementation of the programme.

For his part, Mara Regional Commissioner, Brigadier General Evans Mtambi, said the programme and ongoing exploration activities would enable young people to undertake more scientific mining by using geological information and technology instead of relying on trial-and-error methods.

He said the approach would help reduce unnecessary costs and losses, increase productivity and ultimately enable miners to achieve better returns from their activities.

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