Tanzania, July 1 -- Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is seeking to strengthen its position in the mining supplies industry through investment in local manufacturing aimed at reducing reliance on imported products and expanding value addition within the sector.

The move follows discussions between minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde and the owner and managing director of China's Oriental Casting and Forging Ltd, Hou Songcun, on plans to establish a steel grinding balls factory in Tanzania.

Steel grinding balls are used in mineral processing plants to crush and grind ore before extraction and are among the key consumables used in mining operations.

Local production is expected to improve access to supplies for both large and small-scale miners ...