Is Lindi the next mining powerhouse?

Ruangwa. The Minister for Water, Energy, and Minerals in the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Mr Shaibu Hassan Kaduara, has emphasised that the mining sector holds significant potential to uplift the economy, particularly in regions endowed with mineral resources.

Speaking on Wednesday, 11 June 2025, during the official launch of the Lindi Mining Expo 2025 in Ruangwa District, Lindi Region, Minister Kaduara stated that with improved mining conditions, increased investment, and value addition in the sector, citizens—especially the youth—stand to greatly benefit from their natural resources.

He further highlighted that the rise in global mineral prices presents a unique opportunity for small-scale miners, investors, and owners of mineral-dependent industries.

“If we strengthen the enabling environment for mining, investment, and value addition, our young people and the wider community will reap greater benefits from the existing resources,” Minister Kaduara noted.

On her part, the Lindi Regional Commissioner, Ms Zainab Telack, remarked that the expo serves as an essential platform for connecting large- and small-scale miners, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that the region fully benefits from its mineral wealth.

“Our aim is to establish Lindi as a hub for mineral investment, using this exhibition as a bridge to opportunity and knowledge,” she said.

She also added that the expo has already borne fruit; when it was first held in 2023, the Mining Commission was collecting approximately Sh 5 billion annually. That figure has now risen to Sh 8 billion in revenue from mineral sales.

The event's coordinator, Mr Mwinjuma Mkungu, noted that this is the second time the mining exhibition is being held in Lindi, following the great success of its inaugural edition. He said this year’s event has witnessed overwhelming participation from miners, investors, and stakeholders, signalling continued growth of the mining sector in the Southern Zone.

“There’s been a strong turnout from small-scale miners, stakeholders, and investors alike. This gives us confidence that our region is set to make major strides in the mining industry,” Mr Mkungu said.

Kudra Bakari, a small-scale miner from the Namungo area, shared that the expo is a valuable learning opportunity, particularly in technological advancements, as many young people still lack sufficient knowledge on modern mining practices.

“These exhibitions are incredibly helpful for us small-scale miners. We’ve often conducted our work without a broader understanding of the processes involved,” Bakari said.

The Lindi Mining Expo 2025 will run for four days, from 11 to 14 June 2025, featuring technology showcases, seminars, investment forums, and presentations from various institutions within the mining sector.