GEITA: Raising awareness of opportunities in the mineral sector is the key to bringing more Tanzanians into it, according to Simiyu Resident Mines Officer, Geologist Makolobela Mayigi, who has urged stakeholders to make greater use of available communication and engagement platforms.
Geologist Mayigi made the call during a visit to the Ministry of Minerals Pavilion at the 9th National Mineral Technology and Investment Exhibition, held at the Dkt. Samia Suluhu Hassan Grounds in Bomba Mbili, Geita, from 23 September to 3 October 2026. His message was simple: the more widely the sector’s opportunities are shared, the more Tanzanians can take part in, and benefit from, the country’s mineral resources.
Praise for creative showcasing of investment opportunities
During the visit, Geologist Mayigi commended the creativity shown in presenting investment opportunities within the mineral sector. He encouraged stakeholders to build on that effort by using a wide range of platforms, so that information about the sector reaches beyond those who already work in it.
For many Tanzanians, the first barrier to entering mining, mineral trading or related services is not capital or skill but simply knowing what is available and where to start. Platforms that explain licensing, markets, technology and investment options in plain terms, he indicated, can help close that gap.
Mining Commission opens its doors to investors, miners and the public
The Mining Commission used the exhibition to invite investors, miners, mineral traders and members of the public to its pavilion. Visitors were able to speak directly with Commission experts and learn about mineral exploration, mining, processing, trading, investment opportunities and modern mining technologies.
That kind of direct access matters for small-scale and first-time participants, who often rely on informal networks for information. Face-to-face engagement with technical experts gives them a reliable source in one place.
Mineral Laboratory shows how modern testing works
A major attraction at the pavilion was the Commission’s Mineral Laboratory, which demonstrated modern mineral testing and analysis technologies, including X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF).
XRF is a widely used, non-destructive technique that identifies the elements present in a sample by measuring the secondary X-rays it emits when exposed to an X-ray beam. For miners and traders, this kind of analysis helps establish what a mineral sample contains, which supports more informed decisions on pricing, processing and sale.
A flagship event for Tanzania’s mining sector
The Geita exhibition is held annually and has grown steadily. At the 8th edition in 2025, organisers expected more than 1,200 participants, up from 530 recorded in 2024. Geita Regional Commissioner Martin Shigella said at that event that its purpose was to showcase innovation and technology across exploration, extraction, processing and value addition, and that the region’s average annual gold production ranged between 12 and 15 tonnes. Earlier editions have been organised by the Ministry of Minerals together with the Geita regional government and the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade).
This year’s edition again gave stakeholders and the public a platform to access information, interact with experts and explore the opportunities and services available in Tanzania’s mineral sector, in line with the call Geologist Mayigi has now put to the sector: share what is on offer, and share it widely.
