Tanzania is taking a major step to ensure its mineral resources benefit local communities, with the construction of a new nickel and copper refinery aimed at boosting domestic value addition and supporting the country’s green economy ambitions.
The $15 million project, launched today by Minister of Minerals Hon. Anthony Mavunde in Zamahero, Bahi District, Dodoma, is expected to process about 200,000 tons of nickel and copper annually.
It will create employment for over 200 Tanzanians and contribute significantly to government revenues through taxes and other channels.
“This plant demonstrates the government’s commitment to turning Tanzania into a producer of high-value products for global technology markets, including electric vehicles, batteries, clean energy, and electronic equipment,” Minister Mavunde said.
The project aligns with directives from President Samia Suluhu Hassan to add value to locally mined minerals before export.
Minister Mavunde emphasized that it reflects the 2020–2025 CCM Election Manifesto goal of industrialization and mineral value addition.
Tanzania currently has eight gold refining factories and nine metal value-addition plants, with Dodoma Region hosting five of these.
The 2009 Mining Policy also underlines the importance of domestic mineral processing.
Commissioner for Minerals, Dr. AbdulRahman Mwanga, highlighted that such investments strengthen employment, government revenue, and competitiveness in the global market, contributing to Tanzania’s economic growth and industrialization agenda.
Lee Zhong Liang, Director of Zhongzhou Mining Co. Ltd, assured that the company will maintain strong partnerships with both the government and local communities.
Bahi District Administrative Secretary, Mwanamvua Muyongo, noted that the plant will put the district on the map as a key producer of technology-related products and improve livelihoods through both direct and indirect employment opportunities.