The Tanzanian government has commended stakeholders for heeding President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s call to establish mineral value addition industries in the country.
This initiative aligns with the government’s strategy to prevent the export of raw minerals and maximize economic benefits from the mining sector.
Speaking during his visit to inspect the construction of a copper value addition plant in Mbugani Ward, Chunya District, the Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde (MP), emphasized the importance of processing minerals locally.
The plant, owned by Mineral Access System Tanzania (MAST), is a major step toward achieving this goal.
“President Samia has instructed us to ensure that minerals are processed within the country before export so that Tanzania fully benefits from its resources,” said Minister Mavunde.
“We will continue to collaborate with investors and stakeholders who support this initiative to increase economic gains, create jobs, and boost national revenue.”
He further explained that for copper to be eligible for export, it must be processed to at least 20% purity, whereas Tanzania’s raw copper ore contains between 0.5% and 2%.
“This plant will produce copper with a purity level of over 70%, which marks a significant economic transformation,” he noted.
The minister also praised MAST for its plans to support small-scale miners by providing training, funding mining operations, and offering a guaranteed market for their low-grade copper.
“This initiative will be a game-changer for small-scale miners, ensuring their efforts are not wasted,” he stated.
To further support them, the government is also working on establishing mining equipment rental centers across the country to make machinery accessible at affordable rates.
During the visit, MAST CEO Georgefrey Kente expressed gratitude for the government's supportive policies.
“We appreciate the government’s commitment to creating a favorable investment environment. Our plan is to expand further by building similar processing plants in Dodoma and Lindi regions,” he announced.
Meanwhile, the Acting District Commissioner of Chunya, Michombero Anakleth, commended the government's efforts in accelerating the construction of the plant.
“The Chunya District leadership fully supports the cancellation of inactive mining licenses so they can be allocated to serious investors for the benefit of our nation,” he emphasized.
