Mineral exports hit 14tri/-

DODOMA: TANZANIA has recorded a 31.1 per cent increase in mineral export earnings in 2025, driven mainly by higher gold and other mineral shipments.

According to the Ministry of Minerals, the value of mineral exports reached 5,401.9 million US dollars (about 14.07tri/-) in 2025, up from 4,119.9 million US dollars in 2024, reflecting significant growth in the sector’s contribution to the economy.

The increase has largely been attributed to higher export volumes and improved performance in gold and other minerals.

The sector’s performance has also strengthened its position in the country’s external trade, with mineral exports accounting for 52.57 per cent of total exports of both traditional and non-traditional goods in 2025.

Tabling the ministry’s 174.9bn/- budget estimates for the 2026/2027 financial year in the National Assembly yesterday, Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde (pictured) said mineral exports accounted for 52.57 per cent of total exports of both traditional and non-traditional goods in 2025, compared to 45.17 per cent in 2024.

He said that in terms of nontraditional exports alone, the mining sector contributed 63.73 per cent in 2025, up from 56.99 per cent in 2024.

The minister further said the value of gold exports increased from 3,419.6 million US dollars in 2024 to 4,753.9 million US dollars in 2025, equivalent to a 39.0 per cent increase.

Mr Mavunde further said that in the period from July 2025 to March 2026, a total of 8,635 permits for mineral exports were issued.

He said the minerals exported included gold, diamonds, rough gemstones, cut and polished gemstones, industrial minerals, tin ore, copper ore and coal, with a total value of 9.9tri/-.

The minister added that during the same period, a total of 195 mineral import permits were issued, with a value of 23,299,887.92 US dollars.

The imported minerals mainly included copper cathodes, loaded carbon and ferrosilicon manganese.

He further highlighted other achievements recorded in the 2025/2026 financial year, including an increase in mineral markets and buying centres from 43 markets and 114 centres in 2024/2025 to 44 markets and 118 buying centres in 2025/2026.

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“Through these markets and centres, mineral trade worth 4.9tri/- was conducted up to March 2026 in the 2025/2026 financial year, compared to 2.8tri/- recorded during the same period in 2024/2025,” he said.

He further said the ministry has continued to control mineral smuggling in the country carried out by some dishonest miners and mineral traders.

He said that between July 2025 and March 2026, the ministry, in collaboration with other government authorities, succeeded in seizing various types of minerals worth 3.3bn/- in 55 incidents across mining regions of Kahama, Mwanza, Geita, Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Songwe, Mbeya, Iringa, Mirerani, Mahenge, Chunya, Kagera, Manyara, Mbogwe and Morogoro.

Mr Mavunde said the seized minerals were confiscated by the government and the suspects were brought before legal authorities.

“I appeal to miners and mineral traders to adhere to the country’s laws governing mineral trade,” he said.

The minister also said the government has continued to take measures to ensure that critical and strategic minerals benefit the nation.

He said that between July 2025 and March 2026, the ministry through the Mining Commission issued 454 licences for critical and strategic minerals, including mica (271), nickel (136), cobalt (2), lithium (6), heavy mineral sands (11) and rare earth elements (28).

He said the issuance of these licences continues to lay a strong foundation for promoting investment in the exploration and development of critical and strategic minerals in the country