SIREMA seeks lasting mining dispute solution

SINGIDA: THE Singida Regional Miners Association (SIREMA) has called for a lasting mechanism to resolve mining area disputes, saying prolonged conflicts are disrupting production and threatening livelihoods in the region.

The association made the call during its General Meeting, where members identified disputes at Matongo mines in Ikungi District as among the challenges affecting the sector.

“We appeal to the government to help us establish a lasting mechanism for resolving disputes over mining areas so that miners can work peacefully and increase production,” SIREMA Chairman Robert Malando said.

He said small-scale mining remained an important source of employment and income for many families, making a stable operating environment essential for the industry’s continued growth.

Responding to the concerns, Singida Regional Commissioner Halima Dendego assured the miners that the regional administration would work towards finding permanent solutions.

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“We will form a task force to examine the challenges facing the mining sector and come up with practical solutions that benefit miners and other stakeholders,” Ms Dendego said.

She said the task force would study issues affecting mining areas before recommending measures to improve the sector’s performance.

The Regional Commissioner also highlighted mining’s growing contribution to the regional economy, saying the sector had generated more than 48.6bn/- by June this year.

The meeting was held under the theme: “Singida is Rich, Minerals Will Take Us to National Development Vision 2050.”

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