From: Yona Fares Maro
Date: Sat, Oct 24, 2009 at 3:28 AM

Tanzania’s mining industry is a sector on the verge of a boom. The current administration has been propositioned by various countries and mining companies seeking to take advantage of the nation’s ample natural resources such as gold, precious and semi-precious gemstones, metals and ores. Like in many other African countries, China has made many inroads in Tanzania’s mining industry.
It appears that Foreign companies not only manage/control certain mining interests in Tanzania, but Foreign citizens are also working in these mines. A recent news report indicated that two Foreign workers got into a fight resulting in the death of one of them.

First off, let there be no confusion. This piece is not anti-Foreign by any measure. Some Countries policies of exporting citizens to live and work in many of the countries where These countries have invested is a sound policy for their future and growing population. However, what is good for These Countries is not necessarily good for Tanzania, hence, it is imperative for Tanzania to enter into agreements with Such Countries very carefully.

There is little reason to have Foreign workers in Tanzanian mines. Tanzanians themselves are not only quite capable of working in their national mines, they are also in need of steady employment, something that the mining sector can provide. Furthermore, the presence of Foreign workers in other parts of the African continent has led to serious conflicts because this imported labor deprives citizens of work opportunities. Such tensions should not be encouraged by agreements that favor These Counties and its citizens but disadvantage local labor.

There is also the issue of reciprocity. It must also be remembered that it is hard for Tanzanians to go to Many of those Counties , work and live there. Considering this reality, any future agreements between Tanzania and Foreign Countries should make it easier for Tanzanian businessmen and women to not only get to These Countries , but open their own businesses.

These Countries Growing economy means that it is almost impossible for any country to not interact with them . One can only hope that a nation Tanzania will make sure that its dealings with Foreign businesses benefit not just a few, but many Tanzanians.

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Yona Fares Maro
I.T. Specialist and Digital Security Consultant

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Subject: FOREIGN WORKERS IN MINING SECTOR