Tanzania to overhaul its mineral licensing system as it opts for a digital system

DAR ES SALAAM: Tanzania is set to overhaul its mineral exploration licensing system through a new digital platform designed to automate monitoring, enforcement and compliance in the mining sector.

Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, revealed this today, April 16, 2026, in Dar es Salaam stating that the government is finalising reforms to the digital system that will manage all stages of exploration licences from issuance to reporting and enforcement without direct human intervention.

In addition, the minister said that the system will automatically track quarterly reports, issue penalties and even revoke licences where conditions are not met.

“After this system is completed, you will no longer see me announcing licence cancellations. The system will do it automatically,” he said.

According to the minister, the platform will send reminders for reporting deadlines, generate compliance notices and enforce cancellations where necessary, marking a shift toward fully digital governance in mineral administration.

The reforms come a day after the minister directed the Mining Commission of Tanzania to revoke 40 exploration licences covering about 900 square kilometres (188,163 hectares) after holders failed to meet licence conditions despite being issued compliance notices.

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Mavunde said the government is intensifying enforcement of the Mining Act to eliminate long-standing inefficiencies and ensure that mineral resources are developed by committed investors who contribute to national development.

He noted that mining currently contributes 10.1 per cent to Tanzania’s GDP, adding that more effective exploration could unlock additional large and medium-scale mines, creating jobs and increasing state revenues.

The minister also urged young people interested in mining to form formal groups so they can benefit from government support under the “Mining for a Brighter Tomorrow” programme, which targets youth, women and persons with disabilities by facilitating access to licences, capital and equipment.