DAR ES SALAAM, September 12, 2014— The Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Initiative (MSPI) launched an artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) formalisation project today in Rwamgasa in the Geita region of northern Tanzania. This launch event officially marks the start of the pilot stage of the MSPI which aims to improve conditions and livelihood for small-scale miners, decrease environmental degradation and facilitate peaceful co-existence between ASM and large-scale mining companies (LSM). In attendance at the event were representatives of the MSPI from the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, the Ministry of Home Affairs, small scale mining operators, civil society, the World Bank, and the large scale mining (LSM) industry.
Says the Government of Tanzania:
“The pilot project demonstrates the government commitment to support and promote development of small scale mining so as to increase their contribution to the national economy and alleviate poverty by integrating the mining industry with the rest of the economy.”
The pilot project will work with the Serikali ya Kijiji Rwamgasa, a village-based cooperative that holds two Primary Mining Licenses in the area. Rwamgasa was identified through a Scoping Study that sought to identify an active site with viable geology in the Geita region.
The project will foster the legal, regulated, safe, sustainable development of an ASM sector that operates within the rule of law and with respect for human rights. Special measures will be included to strengthen “no mercury” and “no child labour” policies.
Activities in its early stage of the pilot will include providing Serikali ya Kijiji Rwamgasa with geological support to mine more efficiently its current deposits, and introduction of improved processing and value-addition techniques to increase mineral recovery. Activities in the pilot project will also focus on strengthening the organizational capacity of Serikali ya Kijiji Rwamgasa to manage its operations, including book-keeping and accounting. Through these various inputs, it is expected that the project will raise mining incomes and mineral production levels in the mining areas, and contribute to increased revenue streams for government.
Mr. Philippe Dongier, Country Director of the World Bank Tanzania office stated: "Improving the working conditions around small-scale mining will have a direct impact on the livelihood and health of thousands of Tanzanians, and contribute significantly to our effort to reduce poverty among the rural populations."
“For Geita Gold Mine, the MSPI represents an innovative approach in responding to the complex challenges associated with ASM. In establishing relationships with stakeholders based on co-design, we anticipate that this agreement will contribute to economic benefit for all as well as achieving our social license to operate”, said David Noko, Executive Vice President for Sustainable Development at AngloGold Ashanti.
About the Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Initiative
The MSPI initiative was launched in July 2013 by the national MSPI coalition that is composed of representatives from the Government of Tanzania, the Small-Scale Miners’ Federation, the Women’s Small-Scale Mining Federation (TAWOMA), the World Bank Group, AngloGold Ashanti, and African Barrick Gold.
