Stamico, Kiwira coal operations set for beef up

THE government plans to revive State Mining Corporation (Stamico) and Kiwira Coal operations as part of strategies to enhance their contribution to the national economy.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Minerals Prof James Mdoe made the comments on his visit to the just concluded Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) at Sabasaba grounds in the city yesterday.
The minister said the mining sectors’ contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) was 3.5 per cent and was providing employment and business opportunities to local suppliers in areas surrounding the mines.
He said the government was determined to engage Stamico in strategic projects to increase the contribution of the sector to the economy.
“Stamico was doing well in the 1970s and we now want to restore its past glory in order to facilitate its participation in investment,” he said.
He said the Kiwira Coal Mine in Mbeya region was under Stamico, adding that the company planned to revamp it to start generating power using coal.
Other projects under the mining corporation include Biharamulo Gold Mine in Kagera region, which is owned by Stamico’s subsidiary, StamiGold.
According to him, the company also had TanzaniteOne in Manyara region and was in the process of establishing a tin mine at Kyerwa in Kagera region.
Prof Mdoe said the country was set to open up new mines for iodine in Songwe as well as graphite in Mahenge and Ruangwa.
“Graphite is of high value at present as it is used in manufacturing of batteries to run motor vehicles,” he explained.
He said Tanzania Mineral Audit Agency (TMAA) plans were underway to expand its offices in the country to enable it collect all due revenues from the mining industry.