The Tanzania Minerals Commission (TMC) has upgraded its mineral licensing system to enhance transparency, curb misuse of office, and strengthen investor confidence in the country’s mining sector.
The reforms are designed to simplify the process of obtaining licenses, reducing bureaucratic delays that previously slowed access for miners and investors.
To ensure effective implementation, TMC has convened specialized training sessions for licensing officers from all mining regions across the country.
Speaking in Arusha on behalf of TMC’s Chief Executive Officer, Director of Legal Services Francis Kayichile said the improvements aim to ensure licenses are issued promptly to applicants who meet all legal requirements.
“This initiative is about creating a transparent and accountable system. Bringing together officers from over 30 regions allows us to share experiences, identify challenges, and reinforce good practices that protect both investors and public interest,” he said.
Kayichile added that the new ICT-based system is expected to close loopholes that could allow manipulation or misuse of office, ensuring fair treatment for all applicants.
The training also focuses on equipping officers with the skills to process license applications in line with the Minerals Act, Cap. 123, and its regulations.
Kayichile urged participants to use the sessions to clean and update license data to maintain accurate and reliable records.
TMC’s Licensing Director, Engineer Aziza Swedi, said engaging officers directly helps address challenges in license processing and enhances service delivery to investors.
“Every system reform faces implementation challenges. By meeting officers, we can resolve issues together, maintain integrity, and improve services for miners and investors,” she said.
The reforms are already delivering results. The Ministry of Minerals surpassed its revenue target for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, collecting over TZS 1.07 trillion, above the planned TZS 999 billion.
George Mchiwa, a geologist from Songwe region, said the new system has removed many previous bottlenecks and improved timely access to licenses.
“The training reinforces our responsibilities and ensures we operate within the law, promoting fairness and transparency in the sector,” he said.
Licensing officers attending the sessions noted that the reforms are helping educate miners and investors on the importance of holding valid licenses, curbing illegal mining, boosting government revenue, and enhancing the credibility of Tanzania’s mining sector.
