DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania's Ministry of Minerals on Friday held high-level discussions with the World Gold Council (WGC) to explore ways of attracting greater investment into the mining sector, with a focus on value addition and local beneficiation.
The talks, led by Kitila Mkumbo, minister of state in the President's Office for Planning and Investment, involved sectoral ministers and WGC Chief Executive Officer David Tait.
The government reaffirmed its stance against the export of raw gold, emphasizing that domestic refining and manufacturing would generate jobs and increase revenues, according to a ministry statement issued after the talks.
Both sides examined strategies to deepen the gold industry's role in national development, particularly for small-scale miners who account for about 40 percent of Tanzania's gold output. The government outlined plans to formalize and empower these miners to improve productivity while adhering to safety and environmental standards.
The WGC expressed keen interest in Tanzania's mining management framework and selected the country for a special partnership to advance the sector. The council pledged to support capacity building and technology access, positioning Tanzania as a gold development hub in Africa, the statement noted.
Despite their significant contribution, small-scale miners still face challenges such as limited equipment and inadequate financing, which the partnership seeks to address. Tanzania ranks among Africa's top five gold producers. ■