GEITA, Dec. 26 -- The government has rolled out a fresh push to widen access to small-scale mining licences for youth, women, and special groups, positioning the drive as a national empowerment effort that will expand citizen ownership while reducing exploitation in mineral-rich communities.

Speaking in Msasa, Bukombe District, on Wednesday, Minister of Minerals Anthony Mavunde, said the licensing push is being implemented under the ‘Mining for a Brighter Tomorrow (MBT) programme, with licences being issued to organised groups of women and youth, targeting about 4,000 beneficiaries.

He said the broader direction comes from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has instructed the government to strengthen and formalise small scale mini...