Local content: Minerals minister emphasizes Tanzanians come first

By Lake Zone Watch Writer

Minerals Minister Anthony Mavunde recently made a point on the adoption of the Mining regulations 2019, saying the amendments to the Mining Act were made to ensure citizens reap the benefits of their natural resources.

The government, the minister said, has availed a favourable investment climate to enable the country’s small and large companies to participate in the value chain in the mining sector.

Previously, it was established that 90 per cent of tenders to supply goods and services to mining companies, were obtained from beyond the borders, thus reducing the citizens to mere spectators in the entire operations of the lucrative industry.

Obviously, the minister was throwing a challenge to the JC Gear Parts Group, a supplier of mining, industrial and heavy equipment parts, which he was inaugurating in Mwanza, and of course many others, to see how they could seize that opportunity, now that the government has made a favourable environment for them.

However, the opportunity, profitable as it is, does not come on a silver platter. One has to strive for compliance, which means companies wishing to engage in service provision need to find out why they were not the first choice of the giant miners.

Could it be attributed to poor quality of products, customer care or untimely delivery of goods? Do services and goods meet international standards?

Basically, no buyer goes for substandard goods. Quality assurance is therefore not negotiable. And when it comes to time, the adage stresses again and again: “Time is money.’’ So, any would-be service provider or contractor should note that companies cannot entertain any frivolous excuses to justify loss of time. Big no.

In business, value for money matters. If that value cannot be guaranteed, then it’ll just be a lost opportunity. It’s a fact we cannot run away from, all along as we embark on doing business with multinationals. But on the other hand, there is always room for learning and sharing experiences.

Rooting for support for quality service provision and professionalism, Barrick Gold North Mara recently conducted a training for local service providers and contractors, in a bid to sharpen their skills and make them eligible for both local and international markets.

The giant mining company is also exemplary in local content, as published in its CSR annual report which shows that over half of its services is locally procured and the set standards have been met.

This is proof to the world that when given a favourable environment, local companies are capable of delivering well above the expectations of their customers.

The ball is now on the court of Tanzanian companies, to strive and conform to international standards in order to make it easy for the Mining Commission, when assessing the benefits of the amendments to the Mining Act.