The drive to add value to Tanzania’s minerals has received a boost, with Nyanza Salt Company launching production of livestock mineral salt licks in Uvinza, Kigoma.
The move directly answers President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s call for increased domestic mineral processing to reduce reliance on imports.
Officiating at the launch, Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde commended the company for transforming locally mined salt into high-value products for the livestock sector.
“This initiative is in line with the President’s directive and the requirements of our laws on mineral value addition,” Mavunde said.
“For years, livestock keepers have been forced to import salt licks due to a lack of local production. This new facility will significantly cut imports and give our farmers access to a quality product made in Tanzania. I urge livestock keepers to support it.”he added
He noted that the salt industry is growing steadily and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investors to increase production and end the importation of raw salt for industrial use.
Nyanza Salt Mines Managing Director Mukesh Mamlani described the new product as a breakthrough for Tanzania’s livestock keepers.
“Our priority is to ensure quality and meet national demand. By 2027, we plan to reach an annual production of 120,000 tonnes of salt to fully supply the local market,” he said.
Uvinza District Commissioner Dina Mathamani said the company’s operations have been a major driver of the local economy.
She highlighted that during the salt processing season, about 1,000 residents benefit from direct and indirect jobs, increasing household incomes and government revenue.