Joseph Isangura
Members of Tanzania’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals have expressed admiration for the advanced technology being used at the Katente Gold Processing Demonstration Centre in Bukombe District, Geita Region, saying it could significantly improve productivity for small-scale miners.
During an official visit on March 15, 2026, the committee inspected the government-established facility, which was developed to help artisanal miners process gold more efficiently while reducing reliance on hazardous chemicals.
The delegation was led by committee chairperson Subira Mgalu, who said members were impressed by the speed and efficiency of the modern systems used at the plant.
“We have seen encouraging progress here. The technology used at this centre is capable of greatly improving gold recovery for small-scale miners,” she said during the inspection.
The Katente facility was established by the government through the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) as part of broader efforts to modernize artisanal mining and improve environmental safety. The centre provides miners with modern mineral processing services and technical support, allowing them to refine gold using safer and more effective methods.
One of the technologies highlighted during the visit is the Vat Leaching system, a modern extraction process widely used in the global mining industry. Officials at the centre explained that the method has helped increase gold recovery rates dramatically, from about 40 percent using traditional techniques to more than 90 percent with the new system.
The improvement means that miners can obtain far more gold from the same amount of ore, increasing their income while also minimizing waste.
The system also helps miners reduce the use of harmful substances such as Mercury, which has historically been used in small-scale gold processing despite its well-documented environmental and health risks.
Beyond processing services, the Katente centre has also been supporting miners by improving access to essential supplies needed in small-scale mining operations, including chemicals, explosives, and technical assistance. According to officials, more than 1,000 small-scale miners have already benefited from the services provided through the facility.
Mgalu praised the government for bringing modern mining services closer to communities, saying the initiative is helping miners increase productivity and adopt safer working methods.
“This initiative is important because it gives miners access to technology they could not afford individually,” she said. “It will help improve their livelihoods while ensuring mining is done responsibly.”
Deputy Minister for Minerals Steven Kiruswa also thanked the parliamentary committee for its constructive advice aimed at strengthening the operations of the demonstration centre. He noted that the government remains committed to supporting artisanal miners, who play a significant role in Tanzania’s mining sector.
Earlier, STAMICO’s Acting Managing Director, Deusdedith Magala, presented a report outlining the centre’s achievements since its establishment. According to the report, between 2020 and January 2026, about 1,920 small-scale miners have received training at the facility.
The training covers a wide range of topics including modern mining techniques, ore crushing, milling, gold processing, and improved gold recovery methods. The goal is to equip miners with the skills needed to increase efficiency while protecting the environment.
Mining experts say initiatives such as the Katente demonstration centre could help transform Tanzania’s small-scale mining industry. By combining technology, training, and government support, such facilities are expected to boost gold production while ensuring that mining activities remain safer and more sustainable for local communities.
