Ruvuma: Ruvuma Region has continued to gain popularity in the mining sector after coal mined in Mbinga, Songea and Nyasa districts opened markets in various African and Asian countries with more than 3.6 million tonnes being produced in 2024/2025 and stimulating employment, trade and the use of clean energy.
The Resident Mining Officer of Ruvuma Region, Engineer Alphonce Bikulamchi said that the research, mining and processing of coal carried out by various companies and stakeholders have contributed significantly to the growth of the economy of Ruvuma Region and the Nation as a whole.
He said the high-quality coal is used in cement factories, metal refining and other industrial activities, with part of the production being sent to markets in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“The Ruvuma coal mines have continued to attract investors due to the quality of the minerals, which has helped open new markets in some Asian and European countries”, said Engineer Bikulamchi.
He explained that the growth of the sector has been driven by increased investment and global energy demand since 2019/2020, which has increased the contribution of the mining sector to Government revenue and the development of the Ruvuma Region.
In another step, coal stakeholders in the region have continued to support the agenda of using clean energy through the production of alternative charcoal derived from coal, including the Jitegemee Mine located in Mbinga District and the Suzlon Company in Songea District.
The mines have continued to produce clean energy charcoal which is said to help reduce the use of conventional charcoal resulting from deforestation, a step that contributes to environmental conservation and reducing forest destruction.
Jitegemee Mine Sales and Operations Manager, Mark Tarimo said the company has provided more than 500 jobs through permanent positions and one-year contracts, with its products being exported to East African countries and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Tarimo said the company has also implemented various social projects including the construction of a school in Ruanda Village, a dispensary in Luhagara Village as well as the distribution of clean energy stoves to the public.
Suzlon Mine Director, Jigar Chandarana said the clean energy charcoal produced by the company is an alternative to regular charcoal as it lasts a long time, is affordable for domestic use and helps protect the environment from forest destruction.
Engineer Bikulamchi has called on local and foreign investors to take advantage of the opportunities available in the mining sector in Ruvuma region, while encouraging youth to participate in mining, transportation and service provision activities related to the sector.
