Members of the Tanzania Small-Scale Miners Association (FEMATA) are expected to participate in the mining technology exhibition, the major international event to be held in Canada.

Under the support of GF Trucks & Equipment’s Ltd, the miners’ participation is expected to create opportunities to learn modern technologies that will help add value to Tanzania’s minerals, particularly lithium and cobalt, which are used in the production of electric vehicle batteries.

Through the training and experience they will gain, the miners are expected to contribute to ensuring a reliable supply of raw materials for local industries, including the vehicle assembly sector. This will help boost the country’s economy and create employment opportunities.

Speaking to journalists during the farewell ceremony for the delegation, FEMATA Secretary General, Rogers Micheal Sezero, thanked GF for its continued support of small-scale miners. He said the partnership has significantly contributed to the miners’ steady growth over time.

He explained that GF has introduced a special program to provide small-scale miners with equipment loans instead of cash financing, enabling many of them to easily acquire machinery and work vehicles. This friendly financing model has helped increase productivity and efficiency in their mining activities.

On his part, the head of the delegation and one of the miners, Dr. Bernard Joseph, said that although many companies conduct business with miners, GF has consistently been the first to step forward whenever support is needed.

“As we travel to Canada to promote FEMATA, GF has provided us with all essential travel requirements and has never abandoned us, whether the need is big or small. Through their training programs for miners and drivers, I am one of the beneficiaries. This trip will help me further enhance my knowledge,” said Dr. Joseph.

Meanwhile, company’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Salman Karmali, said that as the company celebrates its 19th anniversary, they found it important to give back to the community by enabling FEMATA to participate in the mining technology exhibition in Canada.

He added that prior to this trip, GF has been conducting seminars and training sessions in various mining regions including Geita, Mwanza, Songwe, and Lindi. Through these seminars, more than 1,000 drivers and equipment operators from different companies have been trained in the use of modern technologies, especially considering that today’s vehicles and machinery use rapidly evolving technology.