President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has underscored the remarkable progress made in Tanzania’s mining sector over the past five years, attributing the success to policy reforms, infrastructure investment, and stronger public-private partnerships.
Speaking during the official closing of the 12th Parliament in Dodoma, the Head of State said amendments to the Mining Act, Cap 123, have significantly boosted the country’s ability to manage and benefit from its mineral wealth.
A key outcome of these reforms is the Bank of Tanzania’s (BoT) direct purchase of 3,424 kilograms of gold, valued at over TSh702.3 billion.
“This is a clear signal that our reforms are working,” President Samia told lawmakers. “We are not only producing more minerals, but we are now retaining more value within the country.”
To support fair and transparent trade in minerals, the government has expanded access to mineral markets.
Between 2022 and 2025, mineral buying stations increased from 61 to 109, while designated mineral markets rose from 41 to 43.
These platforms are helping to formalize the sector and improve government revenue collection.
In a strategic push to add value to Tanzania’s gold before export, eight gold refining plants have been established in collaboration with the private sector.
These plants, located in Mwanza, Dodoma, Dar es Salaam, Geita, and Chunya, meet international standards and are expected to enhance local beneficiation.
President Samia reiterated her administration’s commitment to strengthening the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) as a national investment arm in the extractive industry.
“We are building STAMICO’s capacity to invest on behalf of the government and to protect the country’s interests in this lucrative sector,” she said.
She also revealed that the mining sector’s contribution to the economy has grown significantly from 6.8 percent in 2020 to 10 percent in 2024.
This growth, she noted, demonstrates the sector’s increasing role in driving Tanzania’s economic transformation.
Particular attention was given to small-scale miners, who now contribute 40 percent of the sector’s total revenues.
To support their development, the government has procured and distributed modern drilling equipment across various mining zones, aiming to improve productivity and safety in small-scale operations.
Additionally, President Samia announced the revocation of 2,648 inactive mining license applications, freeing up land for legitimate and active small-scale miners.
“This move ensures that Tanzanians, especially the youth and local investors, have greater access to mineral-rich areas,” she explained.
As the country looks ahead, President Samia affirmed that her government will continue to invest in the mining sector not only as a source of foreign exchange but also as a key driver of inclusive growth, job creation, and national development.
“The resources beneath our soil must benefit all Tanzanians, and with these reforms, we are moving firmly in that direction,” she concluded.
