A sharp rise in the number of mining licences issued in the Mahenge mineral zone over the past three years is signalling renewed investor confidence and stronger economic activity across Ulanga, Malinyi, and Kilombero districts.
According to Resident Mines Officer Jonas Mwano, the Mahenge office has issued 714 licences since 2022, covering exploration, primary mining, large-scale operations, and mineral trading.
He said the trend reflects a shift toward greater formalisation of the sector and a growing appetite for regulated investment.
“This increasing demand for licences shows the trust that investors and miners now have in the regulatory system,” Mwano said.
“It also strengthens the government’s ability to monitor activities and protect the country’s mineral resources.”he added
The growth in formal participation has significantly improved revenue performance. Over the three-year period, the office collected TZS 2.8 billion, equivalent to 78.7 percent of its target.
Between July and October 2025 alone, collections reached 61 percent of the quarter’s target, a performance Mwano attributes to improved oversight along the entire mineral value chain.
The licences issued include 15 exploration permits, 2 large-scale mining licences, 277 primary mining licences, 189 dealer licences, and 23 primary mineral buying permits.
Authorities say this diversity of licences demonstrates a balanced environment where both small-scale and larger investors can operate effectively.
Beyond revenue and licencing, the Mahenge office has intensified efforts to improve sector governance.
This includes educating miners on compliance with the Mining Act, Cap 123, promoting environmentally responsible practices, and strengthening health and safety standards at mining sites.
Mwano said these interventions have reduced operational risks and helped miners adopt more sustainable practices.
“We want mining to create value without compromising safety or the environment,” he emphasised.
Another major achievement is the establishment of a modern mineral trading centre equipped to serve the growing number of mineral dealers.
The facility provides a secure and regulated platform for transactions, ensuring transparency and fair trading conditions.
Established in 2022 following amendments to the Mining Act, the Mahenge Resident Mines Office is emerging as a model for decentralised mineral sector management.
Its performance marked by increased investor engagement, stronger compliance, and improved revenue underscores the growing economic importance of the Mahenge mineral zone.
