By Alfred Zacharia
Tanzania's mining sector continues to be a key driver of economic growth, with government-led strategies boosting efficiency and maximizing national benefits.
The Ministry of Minerals has implemented policies aimed at optimizing the sector’s contribution to GDP, enhancing investment, and ensuring the industry’s long-term sustainability.
Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr. Steven Kiruswa, emphasized these achievements while opening the Workers' Council Meeting of the Ministry of Minerals at the Corridor Spring Hotel in Arusha, highlighting the government's commitment to making mining a cornerstone of national development.
“The government is committed to ensuring that the mining sector continues to grow and contribute significantly to our economy,” Dr. Kiruswa stated, adding that “Through Vision 2030: Mining for Life and Wealth, we are setting the foundation for sustainable mining practices that will benefit both investors and the Tanzanian people.”
The government has introduced Vision 2030: Mining for Life and Wealth, an ambitious strategy aimed at fostering sustainable growth in the sector.
This long-term plan prioritizes mineral exploration, increased investment, and the formalization of small and medium-scale miners, ensuring they operate efficiently and contribute to national revenues.
The government’s focus on improving mining governance and infrastructure has created a conducive environment for both local and international investors.
With proper management and policy implementation, the mining sector is expected to maintain its rapid expansion and further boost the country’s economic prospects.
To ensure young Tanzanians benefit from the sector, the Ministry of Minerals has launched the Mining for Better Tomorrow (MBT) initiative.
The program is designed to create employment, provide specialized training in mineral exploration and extraction, and equip young miners with modern tools.
By engaging the youth, the government aims to foster the next generation of mining entrepreneurs, ensuring that Tanzanians are not only employees in the industry but also key stakeholders.
“Young people are the backbone of our economy,” Dr. Kiruswa emphasized, saying “Through the MBT initiative, we are providing them with opportunities to engage in mining, not just as workers but as future business owners and investors in this vital sector.”
Recognizing the importance of mineral exploration in expanding economic opportunities, the government has committed to increasing geological surveys to map out Tanzania’s mineral wealth comprehensively.
Currently, only 16% of the country’s land has been surveyed for minerals, but the government aims to increase this to 50% by 2030.
“We cannot continue to rely on guesswork when it comes to mineral exploration,” Dr. Kiruswa noted, adding that “We need accurate data to ensure our resources are utilized efficiently and sustainably.”
Tanzania’s mining sector has made remarkable contributions to the economy, with tangible improvements in revenue generation and foreign exchange earnings.
According to Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Minerals, Msafiri Mbibo, mining contributed 9.0% to Tanzania’s GDP in 2023, with a growth rate of 11.3% during the same period.
“These figures reflect the immense potential of the mining sector. We have seen a significant increase in revenue, and our efforts to strengthen the industry are yielding results, he said”
Government revenues from mining have also surged, with collections reaching TZS 690.76 billion between July 2024 and February 2025, a 42.04% increase from TZS 486.30 billion collected during the same period the previous year.
The sector has also witnessed significant growth in exports, with total mineral export earnings reaching USD 3.55 billion in 2023, compared to USD 3.39 billion in 2022.
This 4.6% increase underscores the role of mining as a leading contributor to Tanzania’s foreign exchange earnings.
Currently, minerals account for 56.2% of the country’s non-traditional exports, reinforcing the sector’s importance in sustaining Tanzania’s trade balance.
Beyond revenue growth, the Ministry of Minerals has undertaken key projects to modernize and streamline mining operations.
One of the major achievements has been the procurement of 10 modern drilling rigs to facilitate mineral extraction for small-scale miners, enabling them to work with greater precision and efficiency.
“We want our small-scale miners to have access to modern technology that will make their operations more profitable and sustainable,” Mbibo explained.
The introduction of advanced technology in mineral exploration and extraction is expected to significantly reduce operational costs, increase productivity, and improve the overall quality of Tanzania’s mining output.
The government has also issued a Special Mining License (SML) to EcoGraf Limited for graphite extraction in Epanko, Mahenge, Morogoro region, signaling its commitment to facilitating large-scale mining projects that align with national interests.
In addition to large-scale investments, the government has completed a geological survey and mapping of Zanzibar’s islands, Unguja and Pemba, to assess mineral potential and identify new opportunities. This initiative is expected to unlock additional resources and create economic prospects for local communities, further strengthening the mining industry’s role in national development.
“By investing in thorough geological surveys, we can open up more opportunities for investment and job creation,” Dr. Kiruswa remarked.
Dr. Kiruswa has urged stakeholders in the mining sector to collaborate with the government to sustain and expand these gains.
He emphasized that effective coordination among government institutions, mining companies, and small-scale miners is essential in achieving long-term growth.
“The success of this sector depends on all of us working together,” he asserted. “We need collaboration, transparency, and a shared vision to ensure the mining industry remains a pillar of our economy.”
Tanzania’s mining boom is a testament to the government’s commitment to maximizing resource potential for national development. By implementing targeted policies, investing in technology, and fostering inclusivity within the sector, Tanzania is positioning itself as a regional leader in mineral production.
The future of the industry remains promising, with ongoing reforms expected to enhance efficiency, create more jobs, and generate sustainable revenue for national progress. With continued investment and collaboration between the government and private sector, Tanzania’s mining industry is set to remain a key pillar of the country’s economic transformation.
