Two PanAfGeo+ capacity-building workshops held in Kahama brought together 53 government officials to strengthen knowledge and practical capacity for mine closure in Tanzania.
From 7 to 19 September 2026, two six-day capacity-building workshops on mine closure were held in Kahama, Tanzania, as part of the PanAfGeo+ Country Window Tanzania.
Led by the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK), with the training conducted by the Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU), the workshops brought together 53 government officials from Tanzania’s Ministry of Minerals, Mining Commission and National Environment Management Council (NEMC).
The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of relevant Tanzanian institutions in mine closure and contribute to a more responsible and sustainable mining sector.
Combining knowledge with practical experience
Throughout the training, participants combined theoretical sessions and group work with practical assignments and site visits.
As part of the training, participants identified almost 60 medium- to large-scale mines expected to close in Tanzania in the coming decades and carried out relevant gap analyses.
Participants also visited the closed Golden Pride mine in Nzega District and the Buzwagi gold mine in Kahama. The field visits provided an opportunity to learn about mine closure activities in practice and to compare observations with Tanzania’s current Mine Closure Guideline and international best practices.
Putting the training into practice
Participants were selected based on their roles and their ability to contribute to mine closure procedures and activities within their respective organisations.
The knowledge gained during the training can be applied directly across different areas of their work. Inspectors can use it to support compliance in the field and advise on mine closure activities, while officials involved in Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) approvals can strengthen their review and evaluation of mine closure provisions before licence approval. Officials working on policies and guidelines, as well as those participating in Mine Closure Committee meetings, can also apply the knowledge gained through the training in their respective responsibilities.
Feedback from participants highlighted the value of the training. One participant noted: “I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our trainers for the valuable knowledge and new skills I have gained from this training. I believe these skills have given me a new perspective and greater focus in carrying out my work responsibilities.”
The participant also highlighted the positive learning environment and the trainers’ enthusiasm and support, which helped make the training engaging and productive.
Continuing the collaboration
The workshops in Kahama form part of the wider PanAfGeo+ Country Window Tanzania activities. A third and final training event is planned for May 2027, when the participating organisations and the Geological Survey of Sweden will continue their collaboration to further strengthen capacity on mine closure in Tanzania.
