The Government has continued to strengthen investment opportunities and citizen participation in the mining sector by designating new areas for small-scale miners, a move aimed at creating jobs, boosting household incomes, and formalizing artisanal mining activities across the country.
In the latest development, the Government has set aside Nyakafulu area in Mbogwe District, Geita Region, specifically for small-scale miners.
A total of 108 mining licences have already been issued following the cancellation of licences that were previously granted but not properly developed.
The update was presented in Parliament on May 26, 2026 by the Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr. Steven Kiruswa, on behalf of the Minister for Minerals, while responding to questions from Members of Parliament on the progress of the mining sector.
Responding to a question from the Member of Parliament for Mbogwe, the Deputy Minister said the Government has already allocated the Nyakafulu area to small-scale miners and ensured that new licences were distributed after reviewing and revoking inactive mining rights.
He noted that the decision reflects the Government’s ongoing commitment to formalize and expand small-scale mining activities so that more citizens can benefit from the mineral economy in a structured and productive way.
Dr. Kiruswa further explained that the Tanzania Mining Commission is continuing to review 63 exploration licences that have not been properly developed.
He said the review is aimed at determining whether such licences should be revoked to allow the Government to reallocate the areas to small-scale miners.
He added that the Government continues to analyze geological data to identify high-potential areas suitable for small-scale mining.
The State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) has also been tasked with conducting detailed studies in areas where geological information is limited before they are officially opened for mining activities.
In a related development, the Government also confirmed that it is in the final stages of verifying claims from former workers of Kiwira Coal Mine before commencing payment of long-standing dues.
The Deputy Minister explained that the claims originated from complaints over unpaid benefits for workers who served at the mine before its privatization.
Following the complaints, the Government conducted special audits through the Controller and Auditor General in 2008 and later carried out another verification exercise in 2015.
The verification process established that valid claims for 893 former employees amounted to Sh1.024 billion, significantly lower than earlier claims that had exceeded Sh47 billion from 1,687 claimants. Additional verified liabilities, including those owed to suppliers, brought the total confirmed debt to Sh1.52 billion.
The Government has already included the verified debt in its official obligations and is working with the Ministry of Finance to ensure payments are made once the final verification process currently underway is completed.
Authorities emphasized that the ongoing final review is expected to conclude soon, paving the way for settlement of the verified claims as part of the Government’s commitment to resolving historical labour-related obligations.
