Ruvuma Region is emerging as a key player in Tanzania’s mining sector after coal produced in Mbinga, Songea and Nyasa districts expanded its reach to markets across Africa and Asia, with production exceeding 3.6 million tonnes in the 2024/2025 financial year.
The growing coal industry has contributed to job creation, increased commercial activities and supported wider energy and industrial demand in both local and international markets.
Ruvuma Regional Resident Mines Officer, Engineer Alphonce Bikulamchi, said ongoing exploration, mining and processing activities by companies and other stakeholders have significantly boosted the region’s economic growth and contributed to national development.
He noted that coal from Ruvuma, known for its high quality, is mainly used in cement production, steel processing and other industrial applications.
Part of the output is exported to regional markets including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Engineer Bikulamchi added that the sector is attracting growing investor interest due to the quality of coal deposits, which has also supported the expansion of export destinations to parts of Asia and Europe.
“The coal mines in Ruvuma continue to attract investors because of the high quality of the mineral, which has helped open new markets in several countries in Asia and Europe,” he said.
He further explained that growth in the sector has been driven by increased investment and rising global energy demand since 2019/2020, strengthening government revenues and supporting regional development.
Beyond exports, stakeholders in Ruvuma’s coal industry are also advancing clean energy initiatives through the production of alternative charcoal made from coal, aimed at reducing pressure on natural forests.
Key players in this initiative include Jitegemee Mine in Mbinga District and Suzlon Company in Songea District, which are producing what they describe as cleaner and more efficient energy alternatives.
Jitegemee Mine Sales and Operations Manager, Mark Tarimo, said the company has created more than 500 jobs through permanent and contract employment. He added that its products are exported to East African countries as well as the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Tarimo said the company has also invested in community development projects, including the construction of a school in Ruanda Village, a dispensary in Luhagara Village, and the distribution of improved clean-energy cooking stoves to local residents.
Suzlon Mine Director, Jigar Chandarana, said coal-based clean-energy charcoal offers a longer burning time, lower household cost, and contributes to environmental conservation by reducing dependence on traditional charcoal.
Engineer Bikulamchi urged both local and foreign investors to take advantage of opportunities in Ruvuma’s mining sector, while encouraging young people to engage in mining activities, transport services and other supporting industries within the value chain.
