Expert opinions, editorials, and commentary on key issues in the mining sector.
In a rare glimpse into the future of Tanzanian industry, the government has announced plans to begin niobium production a venture that promises to elevate Tanzania’s global standing in critical mineral supply chains. Niobium, a mineral central to industries from aerospace to oil and gas, has always been rare and highly coveted, but Tanzania’s upcoming…
For decades, Tanzania’s mining sector has been synonymous with gold, accounting for the lion’s share of export revenues and attracting significant foreign investment. While the focus on gold mining has driven economic growth, it has overshadowed the country’s vast potential in other valuable metallic and strategic minerals. From copper to rare earth elements, Tanzania possesses…
Key Takeaways: MWANZA – Tanzania’s government has achieved a significant milestone in its benefit-sharing model for the extractive industry, as its free carried interest in Sotta Mining Corporation Limited (SMCL) has risen from 16% to 20%. This marks the first instance in which the government, through the Office of the Treasury Registrar (OTR), has successfully…
Tanzania’s mining sector plays a crucial role in the economy. In the 2024/25 national budget, it was reported that the sector’s contribution to GDP grew from 7.3 percent in 2021 to 9.0 percent in 2023. By March 2024, the sector had created 19,356 jobs, with 97 percent going to Tanzanians. However, a significant challenge remains:…
Tanzania is sitting on a goldmine of opportunities—literally and figuratively. As the world shifts towards advanced technologies and sustainable energy, minerals that were once considered obscure are now in high demand. These are strategic and critical minerals, and they are shaping the future of industries globally. For Tanzania, a country rich in natural resources, this…
Tanzania’s recent decision requires gold dealers to reserve 20% of their exports for the Central Bank. This move marks a pivotal moment in how the nation manages its natural resources and economic stability. The directive aims to bolster the country’s foreign reserves amid pressures on the Tanzanian shilling. By leveraging its mineral wealth, the government…
Tanzania’s mineral markets, established in 2019, have undeniably transformed the mining sector. As part of a broader reform to enhance transparency and curb illegal trade, these markets have proven to be a lifeline for small-scale miners and a crucial revenue source for the government. Despite ongoing challenges, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, and the system’s…
Thanks to recent developments and strategic interventions by the Ministry of Minerals, the Ruvuma region is emerging as a focal point for Tanzania’s mining sector. With top government officials like Minister Anthony Mavunde and Deputy Minister Dr. Steven Kiruswa visiting key mining sites in September 2024, Ruvuma’s trajectory towards becoming a significant contributor to the…
CRDB Bank’s recent role in securing $179 million for the Mahenge Graphite Project marks a significant milestone, not just for the bank, but for the entire Tanzanian mining sector. This financing agreement, which includes the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), redefines the landscape of mining finance in Tanzania…
The recent call by Minister of Minerals Hon. Anthony Mavunde for coal companies to invest in domestic power generation highlights an important issue: is coal truly the future of Tanzania’s energy, or are we missing an opportunity to build a more sustainable and forward-looking energy strategy? While coal has played a significant role in boosting…
