Mavunde tables 2026/27 mining budget, pledges higher revenue collection

DODOMA: THE Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, has told Parliament that the government is set to increase revenue from the mining sector in the 2026/2027 financial year, while strengthening oversight and promoting value addition within Tanzania.

Presenting the ministry’s revenue and expenditure estimates, Mavunde said the achievements recorded in 2025/2026 were driven by increased production, favorable global mineral prices, and intensified efforts to curb mineral smuggling.

He noted that in the coming fiscal year, the ministry will focus on improving revenue collection efficiency, sealing loopholes that lead to losses, and expanding the tax base, particularly in the small-scale mining sector.

The minister further stated that the government will continue investing in mineral processing industries to boost employment and stimulate domestic economic growth. He also emphasized empowering small-scale miners through access to finance, technology, and formal markets.

Speaking on the sector’s vision, Mavunde said the government is advancing the agenda of “Small-Scale Miners: Minerals are Life and Wealth” as a guiding principle to uplift artisanal miners and ensure they directly benefit from the country’s natural resources.

“Small-scale miners are a key pillar of the mining sector. With the right support, minerals will become a true source of livelihoods and wealth for Tanzanians,” he stressed.

The ministry has also prioritized mineral exploration, with plans to strengthen geological surveys to identify new mineral-rich areas and attract fresh investment into the sector, a move expected to boost production and national revenue.

At the same time, Mavunde underscored the importance of environmental management in mining operations, noting that all activities will align with the national environmental protection framework to ensure sustainable and responsible extraction.

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On employment, he said the government will continue enforcing local content policies to ensure Tanzanians gain more opportunities within the mining value chain.

Overall, Mavunde reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making the mining sector a key driver of economic growth and a significant contributor to the national economy.