Tanzanian orders mineral markets to extend operations to 9pm to give dealers more trading time
DODOMA: THE Tanzanian government has ordered mineral markets across the country to extend their operating hours until 9pm to create more trading opportunities and improve services to mineral dealers and sellers.
The Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde issued the directive during a meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals in Dodoma stating that extending market hours would enable traders and mineral sellers to conduct business for longer periods, responding to the needs of stakeholders and improving efficiency in the mineral trade.
“But also, we are strengthening measures to control mineral trading and smuggling while promoting value addition within the country,” he said.
Commenting on Tanzanite, Mr Mavunde noted that the government would implement a strategy to stimulate trade in the gemstone in Mirerani, including reviewing the existing trading system to create a more conducive environment for the growth of the Tanzanite business.
Additionally, he said that the government was taking action against licence holders who occupy large mining areas without developing them while warning that areas not developed in accordance with the law could face action, including cancellation of licences.
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Meanwhile, Minister Mavunde said that they are also working with the Ministry of Energy to ensure reliable electricity supply to mining areas while incorporating strategic infrastructure into development plans.
“The government is determined to promote and ensure a wider participation of Tanzanians in the mining economy through the MBT programme, which targets youth, women and people with special needs,” he said.
Elaborating, he revealed that the government has signed 14 memoranda of understanding with investors whose projects are yet to commence production, while continuing to create an enabling environment for financial institutions to provide loans to qualified small-scale miners.
Giving an overview of the sector, Mining Commission Commissioner Dr Abdulrahman Mwanga said minerals remained a key sector in implementing Tanzania Development Vision 2050.
According to the report, gold led mineral production in the 2025/26 financial year, reaching 67.8 tonnes valued at 18.4tri/-.
A total of 28,701 kilogrammes of gold were sold to five gold refineries in the country, with the Bank of Tanzania purchasing 21,710 kg, equivalent to 75.64 per cent of the total.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals, Subira Mgalu, commended the ministry for measures taken to strengthen the sector.
However, she stressed the need to intensify efforts to curb mineral smuggling and reduce charges along the mineral trading chain, calling on the government to review levies imposed on small-scale miners, which she said had become a major burden.
Deputy Minister for Minerals Dr Steven Kiruswa said the government would continue overseeing the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and ensure mining activities deliver tangible benefits to communities living around mining areas.
