The private sector has long used mini-grids to support its industrial operations and the communities near them. In colonial times, mining companies located far from the national grid established mini-grids to provide electricity for the Mwadui diamond mine in Maganzo Shinyanga, the Saza gold mine in Chunya, and the Uruwira lead and gold mine in Mpanda, for example. Cotton ginneries have further utilised these methods.