The Government has suspended all mining activities taking place in a river in Katavi Region following concerns over environmental damage and weak compliance with mining and environmental regulations.
The decision was announced on May 13, 2026, by the Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, during an inspection tour of mining sites in Mpanda Municipality and Nsimbo District aimed at resolving ongoing challenges in the sector.
The minister said the move follows clear government directives to ensure that mining activities are carried out responsibly, legally, and without harming the environment or communities living near mining areas.
He said inspections revealed that some mining operations in the river were being conducted in violation of environmental requirements, raising concerns about damage to water sources and the surrounding ecosystem.
“From today, all mining activities in this river are suspended until all environmental and legal requirements are fully met,” said Minister Mavunde.
He added that miners must submit and have approved proper environmental management plans before operations can resume.
He stressed that the government, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, remains committed to ensuring that natural resources are used in a way that benefits citizens while protecting the environment for future generations.
In another key directive, the Minister ordered the Mining Commission to issue Default Notices to all holders of exploration licenses who have failed to develop their licensed areas in line with legal requirements.
He said idle exploration areas will be reclaimed by the government and redistributed to small-scale miners organized in groups, as part of efforts to expand access to mining opportunities.
The Minister further said priority will be given to youth, women, and persons with disabilities through the Mining for a Brighter Tomorrow (MBT) programme, which aims to promote inclusive participation in the mining sector and ensure wider economic benefits reach ordinary citizens.
He added that the government is working to ensure that unused exploration areas do not remain idle while citizens who are ready to work in the sector lack access to opportunities.
Minister Mavunde also announced that three large exploration licenses recently revoked will now be allocated to small-scale miners in Katavi Region.
The decision was widely welcomed by local miners, who said it would open up new opportunities for income generation and improve livelihoods.
Small-scale miners expressed appreciation to President Samia for listening to their concerns and taking practical steps to support grassroots economic empowerment in the mining sector.
During the visit, the Minister also reviewed Technical Support Agreements (TSA) between Tanzanian small-scale miners and foreign investors.
He identified weaknesses in some agreements that could affect fairness and the protection of local miners’ interests.
As a result, he directed all Resident Mining Offices across the country to conduct a nationwide review of TSA agreements to ensure they comply with the law and deliver fair benefits to Tanzanians.
He said the review aims to strengthen transparency, fairness, and accountability in partnerships between local miners and investors, ensuring that citizens are not disadvantaged.
Minister Mavunde noted that the visit to Katavi followed instructions from Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba, who had directed that mining disputes in the region be resolved urgently during his earlier tour.
Katavi Regional authorities, represented by Acting Regional Commissioner and Tanganyika District Commissioner Onesmo Buswelu, praised the government for its quick response in addressing miners’ challenges and restoring order in the sector.
He assured that all directives issued by the Minister will be implemented to improve operations and ensure that mining activities benefit citizens while protecting the environment.
Members of Parliament from the region, including Haidary Sumry and Anna Lupembe, also commended the government for its interventions, saying they will help create a more organized, fair, and productive mining sector.
Overall, the government’s actions in Katavi reflect its continued commitment to responsible mining, environmental protection, and ensuring that natural resources directly benefit Tanzanian citizens, especially small-scale miners and local communities.
