TABORA, Feb. 21 -- THE Tanzanian government has directed the Board of the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) to increase coal production at the Kiwira Mine in Mbeya Region as part of the governments strategy to promote the use of clean cooking energy and reduce dependence on firewood and charcoal.

Speaking today, February 21, 2026, in Tabora, the Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, issued the order during the launch of the Rafiki Briquettes Factory, saying said the government is continuing to take firm measures to ensure the availability of alternative energy sources to protect the environment and curb the rate of deforestation in the country.

He said the factory has the capacity to produce 20 tonnes of briquettes per day and will p...