The Business Beyond Mining: Coal, Drilling and Industrial Services

Mining is not only about extracting minerals. It is also about the services and supply chains that sustain the industry. STAMICO is expanding into several commercial activities designed to support Tanzania’s mining ecosystem while generating additional revenue streams. One such area is coal production and trading. The corporation owns three coal licences in Songwe region with estimated reserves exceeding 300 million tons. Mining operations at Kabulo are already supplying coal to cement manufacturers, highlighting the importance of domestic energy minerals in supporting industrial growth. STAMICO is also developing drilling services for mineral exploration companies. Using modern diamond drilling, reverse circulation and rotary air blast rigs, the corporation provides geological drilling services to both local and international mining firms.  Current clients include major mining and energy projects such as Geita Gold Mining Limited, Buckreef Gold Mine and the Tanzania Geothermal Development Company.  Another emerging venture is Rafiki Briquettes, a smokeless cooking fuel made from coal dust. The product is marketed as an environmentally friendly alternative to charcoal, offering cleaner combustion and reduced deforestation pressure.  These initiatives illustrate an important shift in Tanzania’s mining sector. Rather than focusing solely on raw mineral exports, state institutions are exploring value-added services and downstream industries. If scaled effectively, such activities could create new jobs, stimulate domestic supply chains and strengthen Tanzania’s broader industrial economy.