The mining reforms introduced in 2017 has added 7.2trn/- to the national coffers in six years earned through the sale of different minerals, the Minister for minerals Dotto Biteko has revealed.
The reforms made by the government among other things led to the establishment of mineral trading centers in the rich mineral regions across the country which made trading easier for small scale miners, reduced transport costs and ensured taxes are directly paid to the government coffers.
The reforms also led to the creation of at least 44 gold trading centers as well as other 70 minerals trading centers in some districts across the country which have helped to curb smuggling of minerals outside the country.
Speaking to The Business Wiz (TBW) recently, Biteko noted that the government’s decision to establish local mineral trading hubs in the country’s mining centers has to a large extent helped to eliminate illegal mineral smuggling and tax evasion exercises.
“Since the establishment of mineral markets, sellers and buyers have been conducting their businesses more smoothly and without external interference in a more safe and secured environment. Am so optimistic that the sector will continue to grow further and employ more people,” Biteko said.
He noted that the Government is committed to value-addition of the minerals through smelting and processing noting that as of the year 2020, two model gold smelters were built in Lwamgasa and Katente wards located at Bukombe District, Geita Region.
