Major mines for star rating

MINING Minister Angela Kairuki yesterday asked the Mining Commission to consider star rating all major mines in the country to measure the mining sites’ production and safety.

Speaking at the launch of the newly appointed Mining Commission here, the minister told the commission to always conduct prompt inspections to see if investors live by the terms of their lease contracts and other regulations.

The Professor Idris Kikula chaired commission was directed to review permit details that govern mineral exportation, with the minister demanding each consignment to show the origin so as to control mineral smuggling in the country.

She said the new system will enable the government to earn enough from the business, unlike previously when dishonest traders were engaged in dirty games.

“It is of great importance that after issuing mining licence, you make regular inspections to ensure that the investors live by their terms of contract.

Star rating of mines is another best option to ensure sustainable development of the sector,” Ms Kairuki said, adding: “You must ensure the government gets its share of revenue as required by verifying the quality, quantity and production of minerals in the country.”

The minister said the gov-ernment and public in general have great trust on the commission, asking the team to come up with indicative prices for all minerals for the best interest of small and medium scale miners.

She added that the exercise should go hand in hand with submission of report on sector business performance.

“Look into option of having production registers, which will keep the inspection records and names of officers who conducted the mineral audits so that in case of doubt or complaint, it becomes easy to get the responsible person,” she said.

She added: “You must ensure that small scale miners who operate informally are registered and put into formal system.” The minister asked the commission to display high degree of professionalism, commitment and patriotism in its performance.

“Tanzanians have high hopes on you, they believe the mining sector is in safe and clean hands, take into account the national interest and change the bad history and image that the sector had previously,” implored the minister.

Prof Kikula said the team will strive for efficiency, productivity, fairness, commitment and professionalism in its performance for a vibrant mining sector.

He said the commission will come up with a strategy that will help in finding the lasting solution on conflicts among investors, small scale miners and government officials.