The Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, has proudly announced that Tanzania's mining sector has made remarkable strides, having already collected over 902 billion TSH, which is 90.2% of the target set for the 2024/2025 financial year, aimed at reaching 1 trillion TSH.
This impressive achievement comes with more than 45 days remaining in the fiscal year, signaling a strong possibility that the target will be met in full.
Minister Mavunde shared this exciting update on May 15, 2025, during a press conference in Dodoma, highlighting the significant progress made in the four years of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership.
Mavunde outlined that the 2009 Mining Policy and the Five-Year National Development Plan had set a target for the mining sector to contribute 10% to Tanzania's GDP by 2025.
However, he proudly declared that the sector had already exceeded this goal, reaching 10.1% in 2024, well ahead of the projected timeline.
“We have not only met the national target but surpassed it,” Minister Mavunde said. “In 2021, the mining sector contributed 7.3% to the GDP. By 2023, this had grown to 9.1%, and now, in 2024, we stand at an impressive 10.1%. This is a great achievement that we are all proud of.”
In the same period, Tanzania’s government revenues from the mining sector have surged by more than 20%.
From 623.24 billion TSH in 2021/2022, the total revenue increased to 753.18 billion TSH in 2023/2024. As of May 9, 2025, the Ministry of Minerals has collected a total of 902 billion TSH, which amounts to 90.2% of the annual target.
“This demonstrates the continuous growth and success of our mining sector,” Minister Mavunde added. “These revenues are a testament to the government’s commitment to ensuring the mining sector remains a key driver of economic growth and national development.”he added
The mining sector has continued to be a major contributor to Tanzania's foreign exchange earnings. In 2023, mineral exports reached 3.55 billion USD, accounting for 46.1% of the country's total merchandise exports.
“Our mining sector is a vital source of foreign exchange for Tanzania,” Minister Mavunde remarked. “Not only does it contribute significantly to our economy, but it also supports the growth of Tanzanian businesses. In 2023, Tanzanian companies supplied products and services worth 3.5 billion USD 92% of the total value of all mining-related purchases.”he added
The mining sector has also played a crucial role in job creation. Between 2021 and 2023, it generated 19,356 jobs, of which 97.4%, or 18,853 jobs, were filled by Tanzanians.
“The creation of jobs for Tanzanians in the mining sector is another success we are celebrating,” Mavunde stated. “It’s clear that this sector is a source of sustainable employment for our people.”
Minister Mavunde highlighted the government's continued efforts to improve the business environment for the mining sector. As part of these efforts, the number of markets and purchasing centers for minerals across the country has grown to 152.
“By increasing the number of mineral markets, we are making it easier for Tanzanians to participate in the mining value chain and access better opportunities,” he said.
Additionally, gemstone auctions have been revived after a hiatus since 2017. The first auction was held in December 2024, followed by another in April 2025.
Over 2.5 billion TSH worth of minerals were sold, generating more than 163 million TSH in government revenue through royalties, inspection fees, and auction participation fees.
“Reviving the gemstone auctions has been a game-changer,” Mavunde emphasized. “It has enabled us to better regulate the trade, ensure fair pricing, and increase government revenues.”he added
The Minister also outlined the ongoing progress in implementing Vision 2030: "Minerals as Life and Wealth." he added
This vision aims to enhance the management of mineral resources, improve access to geological data, and ensure the mining sector is effectively integrated with other sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, finance, and construction.
“This vision is all about leveraging Tanzania's mineral wealth to create a more sustainable and inclusive economy,” Mavunde said.
“By connecting the mining sector to other key industries, we are ensuring long-term growth and prosperity for all Tanzanians.”he added
Through the "Mining for A Brighter Tomorrow" initiative, the government has put in place measures to support small-scale miners, particularly women and youth, by providing them with mining areas and helping them access modern technologies.
“Small-scale miners are the backbone of the mining sector,” Minister Mavunde stated. “We are committed to empowering them with the necessary tools, resources, and support they need to thrive.”he added
As part of this effort, the government has revoked 2,648 licenses and applications that were not being developed and plans to reallocate them to active small-scale miners.
Additionally, STAMICO (State Mining Corporation) is providing demonstration centers and CIP processing plants to help small-scale miners improve their productivity.
“We want to create an enabling environment for small-scale miners to succeed,” Mavunde explained. “By supporting them with technology and technical knowledge, we are helping them become more efficient and profitable.”he added
Minister Mavunde also emphasized the government's ongoing efforts to add value to Tanzania's mineral resources.
There are currently nine processing plants in operation for metals such as copper and nickel. One of the major initiatives is the construction of the Buzwagi Nickel refining plant, which is expected to be one of the largest in the region. Another six processing plants are planned for construction in Dodoma.
“We are making significant investments in mineral processing,” he noted. “This will enable Tanzania to increase the value of its minerals before they are exported, creating jobs and boosting the economy.”
In addition to the metal processing plants, the construction of an eight-story building for the Tanzania Gemological Center (TGC) in Arusha is underway, which will further support the value addition of gemstones.
Over the past four years under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, 34,348 mining licenses have been issued, and numerous companies have signed contracts to begin developing mining sites across the country.
STAMICO, the state-owned mining corporation, has also made significant progress, growing from a profit of 1 billion TSH per year to 84 billion TSH per year in just three years.
“These achievements reflect the positive transformation taking place within the mining sector,” Minister Mavunde concluded.
“The government’s efforts to create a conducive environment for growth, coupled with strong management, have ensured that Tanzanians are the primary beneficiaries of our mineral resources. This success positions Tanzania as one of Africa's leaders in mining sector management, attracting interest from other countries who wish to learn from our experience.”he added