Kabanga Nickel project breaks ground in October

KAGERA: TEMBO Nickel Ltd is set to begin construction of the Kabanga Nickel Mine in Ngara District, Kagera Region this October, marking a major milestone in the growth and transformation of Tanzania’s mining sector.

The announcement was made by Chief Executive Officer of Lifezone Metals the parent company of Tembo Nickel Corporation Limited, which operates in joint venture with the government Mr Chris Showalter, during a meeting with the Minister for Minerals, Mr Anthony Mavunde yesterday in Dodoma.

The development comes in line with a government directive requiring all holders of medium- and large-scale mining licenses to provide progress updates on their respective projects following license issuance.

“Tembo Nickel reaffirms its full commitment to the development of the Kabanga Nickel Project, with the official construction phase scheduled to begin with a groundbreaking ceremony in October this year,” said Mr Showalter.

He further revealed that plans are underway to construct a domestic nickel refining facility, a strategic investment aimed at increasing local value addition to Tanzania’s mineral resources.

“In parallel with mine development, we are advancing plans to build a processing and refining plant to ensure that value is added to Tanzania’s nickel right here in the country,” he added.

Minister Mavunde welcomed the progress, describing the Kabanga Nickel Project as one of the nation’s flagship mining ventures with the potential to drive significant economic transformation and development.

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“This project represents one of the largest strategic investments in Tanzania’s mining sector. The commitment demonstrated by Tembo Nickel is crucial to the industry’s growth and the broader economic trajectory of our country,” said Mr Mavunde.

He also called on all licensed mining firms to immediately commence project implementation in accordance with the Mining Act, Cap 123, insisting the need for legal compliance and timely execution.

“The government urges all mining license holders to begin development activities without delay, as required by law. Adhering to these obligations is key to ensuring mining projects deliver real and lasting benefits to our communities and the nation at large,” he stressed.