Lindi — Minister for Energy and Minerals, Prof Sospeter Muhongo, has ordered the commissioner of minerals, gypsum miners and owners of industries to resolve their differences and make sure they agree on payment and prices so as to boost the gypsum mining business in the country.

Prof Muhongo was speaking after visiting Mkanganga gypsum mines, which are located at Hoteli Tatu in Kilwa District, Lindi Region. He said there is no need for local industries to import gypsum from abroad while the same material is produced in large quantity and high quality in the country.

He said that gypsum mining was vital for economic growth and that the Mkanganga site could supply gypsum to industries in the country. “I have conducted inspection in the mining site and I am satisfied that we have enough gypsum to supply all industries in the country,” he said.

According to Prof Muhongo, with available gypsum in the country, there is no need for local industries to import any from abroad. “I would like to ask investors to start using gypsum, which is mined in the country. There is no need for shipping in gypsum from abroad,” said Prof Muhongo.

He said local industries needs 312,000 tonnes of gypsum annually. The amount of gypsum which is produced in the country is 320,000 tonnes per year. “This means we have enough gypsum to supply to all industries without any problem,” he said.