SHINYANGA, Dec. 24 -- MINERALS Minister Anthony Mavunde said President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed the construction of a gold processing plant for small-scale miners in Mwakitolyo, citing limited processing capacity as one of the biggest challenges facing mining areas and a critical barrier to value addition.

Mr Mavunde made the remarks during a public meeting with small-scale miners in Mwakitolyo, where he listened to a range of concerns, including licensing delays, multiple levies, boundary disputes and shortages of equipment.

Following the engagement, he issued a series of directives aimed at formalising small-scale mining and boosting productivity, particularly for youth and women.

He said the lack of modern processing facilit...