Tanzania lists Rukwa as a new mineral hub

SUMBAWANGA: RUKWA Region has continued to establish itself as a new international hub for mineral trade, driven by its rich natural resources, improved infrastructure, enhanced security, and government-friendly systems for managing the sector. These factors have made the region one of the leading destinations attracting both domestic and foreign investors.

Speaking on December 4, 2025, the Regional Resident Mining Officer of Rukwa, Engineer Joseph Kumburu, said the Government has created a favourable investment environment through major reforms in licensing, mineral market management, and the improvement of transportation infrastructure for both domestic and international trade.

“Regarding investment, Rukwa is now internationally recognized due to the variety of minerals it hosts and the Government’s efforts to promote good governance while reducing bureaucracy throughout the investment process,” Engineer Kumburu said.

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He noted that more than 480 mining licenses have already been issued in the region, while over 600 applications are currently being processed through the Mining Commission’s digital system, a move that has increased transparency and sped up license issuance. According to him, in the 2024/2025 financial year, a total of 337.6 tons of various minerals were sold through official markets and centers in Rukwa, valued at over 264m/-, with the government collecting more than 18m/- in royalties, inspection fees, and transport permits.

Additionally, the Rukwa regional mining office collected a total of 656.2m/-, equivalent to 87.5 percent of the total revenue target for the 2024/2025 financial year.

Rukwa is rich in a variety of minerals, including gold, copper, coal, industrial minerals, gemstones, and strategic minerals such as helium and rare earth elements. Geographically, the region enjoys a strategic advantage as it borders Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and hosts the Lake Tanganyika Port, which facilitates international trade and the transportation of mining equipment.

For small-scale miners, the government continues to allocate and survey over 13,000 hectares to support mining activities, a move aimed at increasing citizen participation in the mining sector and stimulating economic development in Rukwa Region.