Tanzania is on the verge of a major breakthrough in the global energy minerals market, as it prepares to become the third largest uranium producer in Africa, following Niger and Namibia.
A recent geological study confirmed the presence of approximately 54,000 tonnes of uranium at the Mkuju River Project, located in Namtumbo District, Ruvuma Region.
The project, operated by Uranium One Inc., a subsidiary of Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation ARMZ, in partnership with Mantra Tanzania, is expected to launch production soon.
With these reserves, the initial phase of uranium production is projected to last 12 years, and is anticipated to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) worth over TZS 3.6 trillion (approximately USD 1.4 billion).
Speaking to stakeholders familiar with the development, mining experts noted that this project positions Tanzania as a major player in the global uranium supply chain.
Once operational, Tanzania will rank third in Africa, behind Niger, which boasts reserves of 200,000 tonnes, and Namibia, with 100,000 tonnes spread across three active mines.
Historically, Tanzania’s uranium deposits have long been known. Records suggest that as early as 1912, about 400 kilograms of uranium ore were mined and exported from within the country, though formal large-scale production never followed until now.
In addition to the Mkuju River Project, uranium occurrences have also been discovered in various other regions including Bahi, Galapo, Minjingu, Mbulu, Simanjiro, Lake Natron, Manyoni, Songea, Tunduru, Madaba, and Nachingwea signaling broader potential for future exploration and development.
Globally, uranium is a critical mineral used primarily for nuclear energy generation, but also plays key roles in medical treatments and industrial manufacturing, including the production of radiation-resistant glass and pigments.
Africa’s uranium production landscape is currently dominated by Niger and Namibia. In Niger, leading mines such as Arlit and Akouta, operated by French company Orano (formerly Areva), serve as major export sources.
In Namibia, production comes from the Rossing Mine, co-owned by global mining giant Rio Tinto and the Namibian government, and the Husab Mine, operated by a Chinese firm.
Tanzania’s entry into this competitive field is not only expected to contribute significantly to government revenue and foreign exchange earnings, but also stimulate local job creation, infrastructure development, and regional economic growth in Ruvuma and beyond.
Analysts say the timing is strategic, as global interest in clean energy and nuclear power surges, creating stronger demand for uranium.
In light of this, the government is taking steps to ensure the sector’s growth is matched by robust environmental and safety regulations, especially given the radioactive nature of uranium.
Once in full swing, the Mkuju River Project is poised to be a game-changer not just for Tanzania’s mining sector but for the country’s wider ambitions in energy independence, industrial transformation, and sustainable economic growth.