Morogoro mining boom rewrites the map

MOROGORO: Gold sales in Morogoro Region have surged to 16.51bn/- between July 2023 and September 2025, underscoring the mining sector’s growing influence on the regional economy.

According to the Morogoro’s Regional Mining Officer, Zabibu Napacho, government revenue from the sector has shown consistent growth, rising from 2.67bn/- in the 2021/2022 financial year to 4.9bn/- in 2023/2024, with projections reaching 6.5bn/- for 2025/2026.

Elaborating, Ms Napacho said the region’s mineral wealth is broad and diverse, ranging from gold, feldspar and kaolin to rhodolite, green garnet, ruby, spinel, marble, copper, graphite, rare earth elements and quartz. Here, the Regional Mining Office oversees mining activities across Gairo, Kilosa, Mvomero and Morogoro districts, ensuring orderly development and monitoring compliance.

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To support sector expansion and attract additional investment, authorities have issued thousands of licenses across all levels of mining. These include 2,413 small-scale licenses, 205 medium-scale licenses, 10 large-scale licenses and 61 exploration licenses, reflecting strong interest from investors and growing confidence in the region’s mineral potential.

Private companies operating in Morogoro are also driving economic and social benefits. Expounding, Manager of a private sector company, Yusra A. Yusuph Mine noted that one marble producer reports manufacturing dolomitic marble for tiles, paint and related products, while actively contributing to community development. The company has built a village office worth 28m/-, purchased an office plot for 4m/-, installed electricity, improved local roads, drilled a borehole and created 65 direct jobs.

In the gemstone sector, another firm is engaged in trading and value addition, with a particular focus on empowering women and youth. Through employment opportunities and targeted savings programmes, the company helps young people gain skills, become self-reliant and pursue further education.

With rising revenues, expanding investments and growing community impact, Morogoro’s mining sector continues to position itself as a cornerstone of regional economic transformation.