Authorities in Njombe Region have officially opened investment opportunities in the region’s largely untapped mineral sector, inviting local and international investors to participate in mineral exploration, mining and value addition projects aimed at accelerating economic growth and industrial development.
The call was made by Lucas Mlekwa during an interview with the Public Relations and Communication Unit of the Mining Commission at the 21st Working Session for Government Information, Communication, Protocol and Public Relations Officers currently taking place in Njombe Region.
Engineer Mlekwa said recent assessments show that the region is richly endowed with a wide range of mineral resources found in the districts of Njombe District, Ludewa District, Makete District and Wanging'ombe District, many of which remain underdeveloped despite their significant commercial potential.
Among the key minerals identified are iron ore, which is used in steel production and infrastructure development; manganese, essential for steel manufacturing and modern battery technologies; and tantalite, a strategic mineral used in electronic devices such as mobile phones, computers and medical equipment.
The region also hosts valuable gemstones for jewellery markets, blue marble used in construction and architectural finishing, and amazonite, an ornamental gemstone that continues to attract growing international demand.
Other minerals available in the region include mica, commonly used in electrical insulation, electronics and cosmetic industries; copper, which is vital for electrical wiring, renewable energy systems and industrial machinery; and coal, which supports energy generation and industrial processing.
Engineer Mlekwa further revealed the presence of gold, one of Tanzania’s leading export minerals, alongside rare earth elements that are increasingly important in advanced technologies including electric vehicles, wind turbines, smartphones and high-tech manufacturing.
“We invite investors interested in exploration programmes, mining operations, value addition and partnerships to take advantage of the available opportunities in Njombe Region,” he said.
He noted that increased investment in the mining sector would stimulate local industrialisation, create employment opportunities, expand government revenue and strengthen Tanzania’s position in the global mineral value chain.
Meanwhile, the ongoing working session has brought together government information, communication, protocol and public relations officers from across the country to exchange professional experience, strengthen collaboration and enhance effective public communication in public service delivery.
The meeting is also expected to improve coordination among government communicators and increase public awareness of national development sectors, including the growing contribution of mining to Tanzania’s economy.
