STAMICO and Plantcor Sign Strategic Agreement for Kigosi Gold Mining Project in Tanzania

State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Plantcor Mining and Plant Hire (Pty) Ltd to develop the Kigosi Gold Mining Project in Bukombe District, Geita Region. The agreement marks a significant step in advancing Tanzania’s gold sector through foreign investment, technology transfer, and public-private collaboration.

The partnership focuses on the exploration and extraction of gold in the Kigosi area, located within the mineral-rich Lake Victoria Goldfields — one of Tanzania’s most productive gold zones. The agreement follows high-level discussions held during the Mining Indaba in South Africa, where both parties solidified their commitment to fast-tracking the project.

Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr. Steven Kiruswa, who witnessed the signing ceremony, said the investment is expected to create substantial employment opportunities for residents of Bukombe District and the wider Geita Region. He emphasized that the project will contribute to national revenue growth while promoting sustainable mining practices and local participation in the mineral value chain.

A key component of the partnership includes advanced airborne geological surveys using specialized aircraft to map mineral deposits across the Kigosi area. The high-resolution technical data generated will not only support STAMICO’s operations but will also be shared with licensed small-scale miners operating in surrounding areas to improve productivity and efficiency.

Plantcor Mining and Plant Hire has committed to deploying both financial capital and modern mining technologies, positioning the Kigosi project as a model Public-Private Partnership (PPP) within Tanzania’s mining industry. The government has stressed the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) compliance and adherence to Local Content policies to ensure Tanzanians benefit directly through employment, procurement, and skills transfer.

STAMICO Board Chairman Ambassador Simon Sirro described the agreement as evidence of Tanzania’s improving investment climate, while STAMICO Managing Director Dr. Venance Mwasse noted that the corporation continues to serve as a gateway for attracting foreign capital and advanced mining expertise into the country.

Plantcor Managing Director Joseph Wilmans highlighted the company’s more than 20 years of experience in mineral exploration, processing, and marketing, stating that the project will increase gold production and generate sustainable jobs for Tanzanians.

The Kigosi Gold Project is situated within the Kigosi area of Bukombe District in Geita Region, an area that falls inside the Kigosi-Moyowosi Game Reserve. Historically, mining development in the area faced delays due to regulatory restrictions governing protected wildlife zones under Tanzanian law. Although exploration identified viable gold mineralisation years ago, full-scale development required policy decisions regarding land status and permitting.

In recent years, the Tanzanian government has taken decisive steps to unlock the Kigosi project, enabling STAMICO to progress licensing and operational approvals. The move aligns with the country’s broader strategy to strengthen domestic mining capacity, increase beneficiation, and maximize economic returns from its mineral resources.

With gold remaining one of Tanzania’s leading export earners, the STAMICO-Plantcor partnership represents a significant development for the country’s mining sector. If successfully implemented, the Kigosi project could enhance production output, stimulate regional economic growth in Geita, and reinforce Tanzania’s position as a key gold producer in East Africa.