DAR ES SALAAM, June 14 -- THE government has announced a package of measures to boost small-scale mining, including a new loan guarantee scheme and increased investment in geological exploration, as part of efforts to create jobs and reduce poverty.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam while receiving a report on the development of small-scale mining, the Minister for State in the Presidents Office for Planning and Investment, Professor Kitila Mkumbo, said the government has prioritised geological exploration as a key pillar in strengthening the mining sector.

He said ten per cent of this years mining sector revenue has been allocated to exploration and research activities aimed at improving access to reliable geological information and supporting...