Shinyanga lures mineral investment after discovering new gold and diamond deposits

SHINYANGA: SHINYANGA Region is strengthening its position as one of Tanzania’s leading mining centres, with gold and diamond production driving economic growth while opening new opportunities for investment in mineral processing industries.

The Shinyanga Resident Mines Officer, Engineer Noel Odera, said the region is richly endowed with mineral resources, including gold, diamonds, building materials and industrial minerals such as limestone, which continue to stimulate economic activities, create employment and increase government revenue.

He explained that mining operations are expanding rapidly across the region, involving artisanal, small, medium and large-scale miners. Major operations include the El-Illari Mine and the Williamson Diamond Mine in Kishapu District, an area characterised by kimberlite formations that produce a significant share of Tanzania’s diamonds.

According to Eng Odera, recent discoveries by small-scale miners in Ng’wapangabule have raised expectations of increased diamond production after gemstones were identified within rock formations similar to kimberlite, opening new prospects for geological exploration and future investment.

Gold production is also steadily increasing in areas such as Mwakitoryo, Nyandolwa, Mwanubi, Ishinabulandi, and Mwazezema, where small and medium-scale miners continue to contribute to employment creation, household income growth and national revenue generation.

Beyond extraction activities, the region presents strong investment potential in modern gold processing plants utilising carbon in pulp (CIP) and carbon in Leach (CIL) technologies. These facilities are expected to enhance value addition prior to export while providing reliable processing services to miners.

Eng Odera further noted that Shinyanga offers opportunities for investment in diamond cutting, polishing, and jewellery manufacturing industries aimed at promoting local beneficiation and strengthening Tanzania’s industrial economy.

“The availability of key raw materials, particularly limestone, also positions the region as a strategic location for cement manufacturing plants expected to support the construction sector, expand industrial development, and generate additional employment opportunities.

He added that mineral trading has become more organised, with 19 major buyers currently operating in the region, improving transparency, market access, and efficiency in mineral transactions.

Eng Odera called upon local and international investors to capitalise on Shinyanga’s mineral potential through exploration, mining and value-addition ventures, emphasising that the Government continues to improve the investment environment to ensure the mining sector contributes more significantly to sustainable national development and citizens’ prosperity.