Foreigners banned in small-scale mining

MOROGORO: THE Tanzanian government has banned foreign nationals from engaging in small-scale mining activities, revoking their ability to operate under the guise of providing technical assistance.

Speaking at a stakeholder consultation meeting in Morogoro yesterday, Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde explained that the ban addresses the widespread misuse of technical assistance agreements between local miners and foreign nationals.

“It makes no sense for a foreigner conduct mining activities using small-scale mining license under the guise of providing technical support, while local miners see no real benefits in terms of technology or capital, he said at the meeting convened to gather input for the 2025 Mining Regulations for Technical Assistance to Small-Scale Mining License Holders.

“This was never the intention of the law, which was designed to develop and uplift small-scale miners,” said Mr Mavunde.

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He said these agreements, intended to facilitate technological and capital improvements for local miners, have instead been exploited by foreigners to conduct mining operations using small-scale mining licenses, without providing tangible benefits to Tanzanian citizens.

Mr Mavunde emphasised the need to protect and support local miners criticising the misuse of technical assistance agreements.

“In a short time, we have seen significant progress in the mining sector, thanks to President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s commitment to empowering small-scale miners.

“Today, I direct the Mining Commissioner’s Office to assist these miners in advancing beyond their current stage.”

Mr Mavunde also issued a stern warning to small-scale miners against allowing foreign nationals onto their licenses without proper authorisation, cautioning that violations could lead to license revocation.

He further directed mining officers nationwide to enforce stricter control measures to prevent unauthorised foreign involvement.

Additionally, Mr Mavunde urged stakeholders at the meeting to openly share their views to help shape effective and practical regulations aligned with Section 8(3) of the Mining Act, Chapter 123.

Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals, Mr Msafiri Mbibo, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to gathering stakeholder input to ensure the new regulations enhance productivity in the mining sector.

“The Ministry is open and ready to receive all recommendations that will drive the sector forward,” he said. Tanzania’s Small-Scale Miners Association President, Mr John Bina, praised the ministry for involving sector stakeholders in drafting the regulations, rather than making decisions in isolation.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including small-scale mining leaders, women’s mining associations, and mineral traders.