Tanzania targets 4pc share of global uranium output

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA is set to become a leading global uranium producer, with the Mkuju River project expected to supply about four per cent of the world’s uranium once commercial operations begin, while the government moves to deepen international partnerships to unlock the country’s vast mineral potential.

The project in Ruvuma Region is projected to place Tanzania among the world’s top uraniumproducing nations, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to expand its role in the global mining industry and clean energy supply chain.

Mkuju River Project Manager Beria Vorster said preparations for the long-awaited development were progressing steadily, describing it as one of Africa’s largest uranium projects and a strategic investment for Tanzania’s economy.

“Once production starts, the Mkuju River project is expected to contribute approximately four per cent of global uranium output, placing Tanzania in a strategic position within the international uranium market,” Mr Vorster said.

According to industry data, Kazakhstan currently leads global uranium production, followed by Canada and Namibia. If the Tanzanian project reaches its projected capacity, the country could join the top 10 uranium-producing nations worldwide.

Mr Vorster emphasised that uranium extracted from the project would be used exclusively for peaceful energy purposes, supporting the growing global demand for clean and reliable electricity.

“Tanzania’s uranium will support the generation of clean and reliable nuclear energy,” he said, noting that strict monitoring and regulatory mechanisms have been established to ensure compliance with international standards governing the peaceful use of nuclear materials.

The project is also expected to generate significant economic benefits. More than 1,000 direct jobs are anticipated during full-scale operations, alongside thousands of indirect employment opportunities in sectors such as transport, construction, catering and other support services.

Training programmes have already begun for residents living near the project area, with 100 young people from surrounding communities receiving skills development in mining equipment operations and mineral processing activities. Ten trainees have already secured employment with the project.

Ruvuma Regional Mining Officer, Alphonce Bikulamchi said the development would stimulate broader economic activity across the region through increased demand for goods and services.

“This project will become a major catalyst for economic development in Ruvuma Region,” he said, adding that local communities stand to benefit from employment opportunities, business growth and increased economic participation.

As Tanzania advances major mining projects such as Mkuju River, the government is also intensifying efforts to attract foreign investment and technical expertise to support mineral exploration and development During President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s official visit to Russia, Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde held talks with Russia’s Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Environment, Dmitry Tetenkin, on expanding cooperation in geological research and mineral development.

Mr Mavunde said Tanzania is keen to leverage Russia’s expertise in geological exploration and mining technology to accelerate the development of the country’s mineral resources.

“Although our mining sector continues to grow rapidly, only about 16 per cent of Tanzania has undergone detailed geological exploration,” he said.

The minister said that expanding geological surveys would help generate more reliable data, identify new mineral deposits and attract additional investment into the sector.

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He also called for the speedy finalisation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Tanzania’s Geological Survey and Mineral Research Institute and a Russian university to facilitate joint research, technology transfer and scientific collaboration.

Tetenkin welcomed Tanzania’s proposals and expressed Russia’s readiness to support geological research initiatives and professional training programmes for Tanzanian experts.

The discussions also explored the possibility of a broader government-togovernment cooperation framework between the two countries’ mining ministries to guide long-term collaboration.

In separate talks, Mr Mavunde invited Russian aluminium producer- Rusal -to explore investment opportunities in Tanzania’s bauxite sector, including mineral exploration and extraction projects.

The parallel push to advance strategic projects such as Mkuju River while expanding international partnerships underscores Tanzania’s broader ambition to transform its mining industry into a major driver of economic growth, industrialisation and foreign investment.