The Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, has ordered the immediate suspension of mining activities in Busulwangili village, Kahama District, as the government moves to resolve a dispute involving the Isunda Group, landowners and pit holders.
The directive, issued in Dodoma during a meeting that brought together all key stakeholders, forms part of broader efforts to address longstanding concerns over ownership rights and investment arrangements in the area.
Minister Mavunde said the Isunda Group, which holds the mining licence, must stop all operations until it submits key documents within three days, including a report showing clear agreements that respect the rights of pit holders.
He stressed that under Regulation 18A of the Mining (Mineral Rights) Regulations, pit holders must be given first priority to invest before any external investor is introduced.
He said failure to follow this legal requirement undermines trust and fuels conflict within mining communities.
The minister made it clear that mining licences are issued strictly for extraction purposes and not for leasing or subletting, warning that any violation of procedures will not be tolerated.
He directed all parties to enter into formal and transparent agreements before resuming operations, noting that clear contractual arrangements are essential to prevent recurring disputes between licence holders and small-scale miners.
Mavunde also cautioned the Isunda Group against issuing misleading information that could create tension among local communities and disrupt mining activities.
At the same time, he instructed the Tanzania Mining Commission to withhold approval of any technical agreements related to the project until it is satisfied that all disputes have been fully resolved.
A team of experts will be deployed to the site to assess production levels, verify government royalties and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Deputy Minister for Minerals, Steven Kiruswa, said a lasting solution will depend on open dialogue that respects the law and safeguards the interests of all stakeholders.
The Busulwangili case reflects wider challenges in Tanzania’s mining sector, where overlapping interests between licence holders, small-scale miners and investors continue to test regulatory enforcement and community relations.
