VICE President Dr. Philip Mpango has praised the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) for implementing a project that aligns with the national agenda of replacing firewood and charcoal with cleaner cooking solutions.

He stated that STAMICO has demonstrated the right example through production of Rafiki briquettes made from coal.

He made the remarks   during the closing ceremony of the 109th training meeting for producers of public education programmes (WASHITIRI), hosted by the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC) and chaired by STAMICO in Mbeya Region, recently,

 He  noted that STAMICO had certainly made a name for itself in the energy sector, particularly with its innovative production of Rafiki briquettes, a clean alternative fuel made from coal.

The VP pointed out that STAMICO’s efforts have not only contributed to cleaner cooking methods but also paved the way for the country’s future in sustainable energy solutions.

Dr Mpango stated that the government is fully committed to promoting clean cooking energy for the betterment of public health and the environment. 

“After all, who would not want to say goodbye to the smoky kitchens of yesteryear?” he asked.

 In support of the commitment, the government had allocated   8.68bn/- to support the procurement of machines for production of cleaner energy, as part of its national strategy to phase out firewood and charcoal harvested from trees.

 “The use of clean cooking energy is one of our top priorities,” Dr Mpango declared, adding: “We aim to ensure that by 2034, at least 80 percent of Tanzanians will be cooking with cleaner options like natural gas, solar energy  and  of course, Rafiki briquettes.  Now that’s an ambitious goal!. But with the right plans, it’s definitely within reach.”

 To further solidify the country’s commitment to clean energy revolution, Dr Mpango pointed out that the government had already taken steps by banning firewood and charcoal use in all public institutions that serve over 100 people daily. A total of 506 institutions have already shifted to clean energy alternatives. 

STAMICO executive director, Dr Venance Mwasse, shared some exciting updates about the corporation's progress. Thanks to some significant operational reforms, it has managed to become economically self-sufficient, generating 85bn/- annually-a big jump from previous years.

Dr Mwasse also revealed that STAMICO had acquired new machinery capable of producing 20 tonnes of Rafiki briquettes per day. The machines have already arrived in Tanzania.