DRAFT CONTRACTS BETWEEN LICENCE HOLDERS AND ARTISANAL MINERS COMPLETED

The Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr. Steven Kiruswa, has announced that the Ministry of Minerals has completed the preparation of draft contracts between Mining Licence Holders and Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (ASMs).

Dr. Kiruswa said the draft contracts have been distributed to Resident Mining Officers across the country for supervision once they are signed and officially registered.

He made the statement today, January 27, 2026, in Parliament in Dodoma while responding to a question from the Member of Parliament for Katoro Constituency, Engineer Kija Ntemi. The MP sought clarification on who would be responsible for supervising contracts between licence holders and small-scale miners who discover minerals, as well as the duration of such contracts.

Dr. Kiruswa explained that the contracts will be valid for a period of three years and may be renewed for an additional term subject to mutual agreement between the involved parties.

“These contracts will run for three years and are eligible for renewal based on the agreement of the parties involved,” said Dr. Kiruswa.

He further noted that following amendments to the Mining Rights Regulations of 2018, which were effected in 2025, Regulation 5A (1) now requires holders of Primary Mining Licences to enter into formal contracts with artisanal miners operating within their licensed areas. The regulation also mandates that such contracts be approved and registered by the Mining Commission.

In a separate response to a question from the Member of Parliament for Tarime Rural Constituency, Hon. Mwita Waitara, who sought to know when Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Regulations in mining would be amended to allow development projects to be managed by Local Government Authorities through a Local Fund model instead of investors, Dr. Kiruswa clarified that Regulation 15(1) assigns full responsibility to licence holders to implement their CSR plans.

He explained that during the implementation of CSR projects, licence holders are required to comply with public procurement procedures and may engage contractors or any other qualified parties to carry out the projects outlined in their approved CSR plans.

Furthermore, Dr. Kiruswa emphasized that the CSR Regulations for Mining Licence Holders, which officially came into effect in June 2023, clearly outline the responsibilities of various stakeholders in ensuring that communities surrounding mining areas benefit meaningfully from mining activities.

He added that the implementation of CSR obligations should be carried out by licence holders in close collaboration with Local Government Authorities (Councils).