The Government has directed Mantra Tanzania Limited to accelerate preparations for the start of uranium production at the Mkuju River Project, stressing the need for Tanzanians to benefit from the economic gains expected from the strategic investment.
Deputy Minister for Minerals Steven Kiruswa issued the directive on Tuesday during talks with officials from Mantra Tanzania in Dodoma over progress of the Mkuju River Uranium Project in Ruvuma Region.
Dr Kiruswa said the Government remains committed to supporting the project and has no intention of revoking the company’s special mining licence, but urged the investor to move swiftly in securing financing to ensure production begins within the planned schedule.
He noted that the project is among Tanzania’s strategic mining investments and is expected to contribute significantly to employment creation, local economic growth and foreign exchange earnings.
The deputy minister recalled that in July 2025, President Samia Suluhu Hassan launched the project’s pilot uranium processing plant, which was established to test processing technologies and gather technical data ahead of the construction of a full-scale production facility.
Mantra Tanzania Chief Executive Officer Ilya Shchukin said the company is in the final stages of securing capital for the development of the mine and uranium processing plant.
According to him, the company is holding financing discussions with Russian financial institutions as well as local lenders including CRDB Bank and NMB Bank.
He said uncertainty surrounding the project’s mining licence, which is due to expire in April 2028, remains one of the key concerns among lenders considering long-term financing for the investment.
Shchukin said the project is expected to create more than 4,000 direct jobs for residents of Namtumbo and neighbouring areas, while over 21,000 households are projected to benefit through business and service opportunities linked to the mine’s value chain.
Beyond employment, he said the company has continued investing in social development initiatives in surrounding communities, including education, health services, environmental conservation, infrastructure and economic empowerment programmes for women and youth.
Meanwhile, Mantra Tanzania’s Sustainable Community Relations Manager Majani Wambura appealed to the Mining Commission to renew the company’s licence to improve the project’s ability to secure financing.
He said once operational, the Mkuju River Project is expected to produce about 3,000 tonnes of uranium annually, potentially placing Tanzania among Africa’s leading uranium producers.
Uranium One Group, the parent company of Mantra Tanzania, is part of Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation and oversees the implementation of the uranium mining and processing project in Tanzania.
