Tanzania is transforming its mining sector into a powerhouse for economic growth, job creation, and community development, President Samia Suluhu Hassan told Parliament today.
Addressing the 13th Parliament, President Samia said the mining industry is no longer just a source of government revenue it is a pathway to better livelihoods for Tanzanians.
She noted that the sector’s contribution to the national economy has grown from 6.8 percent in 2020 to 10.1 percent in 2024, thanks to reforms introduced by the Sixth-Phase Government.
The President announced the creation of the Mineral Sovereign Wealth Fund, designed to ensure that today’s mineral revenues benefit future generations.
“We want our children and grandchildren to inherit wealth not empty pits,” she said.
To help local miners expand and create more jobs, the government will allow minerals to be used as collateral for investment loans, making it easier for small and medium-scale miners to grow their businesses.
Tanzania plans to establish a large multipurpose metal refinery by 2030 to process minerals locally, boost revenue, and create thousands of jobs.
In Shinyanga, the Buzwagi Special Economic Zone is expected to generate 300,000 jobs through factories producing machinery, spare parts, and mineral-based products, moving the country closer to self-reliant industrial growth.
The government will expand geological surveys to cover more areas, providing accurate data for informed investment and planning.
The Bank of Tanzania will continue buying gold from licensed small- and medium-scale miners, helping formalize the sector, reduce smuggling, and open new markets for Tanzanian entrepreneurs.
Infrastructure improvements are also underway, including the near-completion of the Tanzanite Exchange Center in Mirerani, expanded gemstone markets, and stricter regulation of dormant mineral licenses to ensure active development.
President Samia emphasized that small-scale miners remain central to the country’s growth strategy. By giving them access to mining areas, modern equipment, and reliable geological information, the government is empowering thousands of Tanzanians to directly benefit from the country’s mineral wealth.
“Mining is not just about minerals; it is about people, jobs, and building the future of Tanzania,” she said.
