Tanzania issues urgent directives to resolve mining disputes in Kahama

DODOMA: THE Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, has issued urgent directives aimed at resolving a dispute involving the Isunda Group (license holders), landowners, and pit owners in Busulwagili village, Kahama District, Shinyanga Region.

The directives were issued today during a meeting held at the Tanzanite Hall at the Ministry of Minerals Headquarters in Dodoma, bringing together all stakeholders to hear concerns and establish a lawful resolution on ownership rights and production arrangements.

The Minister ordered the Isunda Group to immediately suspend all ongoing mining activities until a formal meeting report is submitted, clearly outlining an agreement that recognizes the priority rights of pit owners to invest before any new investor proceeds, in line with Regulation 18A of Mining Rights provisions.

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He clarified that Section 18A of the Mining Rights Act requires that, where a license holder has introduced miners who have developed pits, any subsequent investor must first recognize the original pit owners’ pre-emptive investment rights.

“A mining license is strictly for mining operations, not for leasing. Any violation of procedures will not be tolerated,” said Mavunde.

He further directed that both license holders and pit owners must enter into formal partnership agreements before mining operations commence, in order to prevent future disputes.

The Minister also warned the leadership of the Isunda Group against issuing misleading information that could create public tension and escalate conflicts between small-scale miners and license holders.

In addition, he instructed the Tanzania Mining Commission not to sign any technical agreements until it is fully satisfied that there is no ongoing dispute between license holders and pit miners.

“It will deploy expert teams to each mining pit to assess production levels, government royalty collection, and ensure transparency and accountability,” the Minister stated.

On his part, Deputy Minister for Minerals Steven Kiruswa said a lasting solution depends on transparent negotiations grounded in law, fairness, and the interests of all parties involved.