DODOMA: TANZANIA’S mining sector has significantly boosted national income, generating approximately 2.7tri/- in revenue over the past four years.
This achievement represents 82 per cent of the sector’s 3.35tri/- target, according to a performance report released yesterday by the Mining Commission in Dodoma.
The Commission’s Executive Secretary, Engineer Ramadhani Lwamo, attributed the performance to strengthened management of mining operations across the country since President Samia Suluhu Hassan assumed power.
Eng Lwamo added that the sector’s contribution to national income increased from 7.2 per cent in 2021 to 9.0 per cent in 2023, while sector growth rose from 9.4 per cent in 2021 to 11.3 per cent as of 2023.
“Due to the progressive growth of the sector, it is expected to reach 10 per cent growth by 2025, as per the National Development Vision 2025,” he said.
Revenue from the mining sector has seen consistent growth. In the 2021/2022 fiscal year, when President Samia assumed office, earnings were 624.6bn/-. This increased to 677.7bn/- in 2022/23 and further to 753.8bn/- in 2023/2024.
With approximately four months remaining in the current fiscal year, earnings have reached 690.76bn/-, as the Ministry of Minerals aims to achieve 1tri/- in revenue collection by the end of 2024/2025.
Over the four-year period, he added, the Commission issued a total of 41,424 licencesto small-, medium- and large-scale miners and other processors—an increase of 111 per cent.
“Moreover, the Commission has continued to improve the investment environment in the mining sector by issuing licences to large-scale mining companies. The execution of large-scale mining under licences issued from 2021 to January 2025 is expected to have a multiplier effect on the country’s mining sector and related industries,” he emphasised.
He listed companies that have been issued large-scale mining licences, including Faru Graphite Corporation Limited, Mamba Minerals Corporation Limited, Tembo Nickel Corporation Limited, Sotta Mining Corporation Limited and Nyati Mineral Sands Ltd.
To maintain the sector’s positive growth trend, the Commission has continued to conduct monitoring and inspections focusing on safety, health, environmental compliance and small, medium and large-scale mining operations across the country.
Eng Lwamo added that inspections were conducted at seven large-scale mining sites across six regions including Mara, Shinyanga, Mwanza, Kagera, Geita and Mtwara as well as 187 medium-scale mines.
“The Commission uncovered shortcomings during the inspections and responsible parties were directed to address the gaps in compliance with the Mining Act,” he said.
To ensure the sector’s sustainability, the executive secretary said the Commission will continue to intensify efforts to combat mineral smuggling by encouraging stakeholders to trade at designated mineral markets and centres across the country.
He added that strict controls will be implemented at all border points, ports and airports.
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The Mining Commission was established under the Mining Act of 2010, as amended by the Written Laws (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act of 2017. It officially came into existence through Government Notice No. 27, issued on July 7, 2017.
The Commission aims to enhance the management of the mining sector and ensure that the government benefits sustainably from its revenue.
