More than 400 small-scale miners in Kwimba District, Mwanza Region, have received mining licences in a move expected to create new economic opportunities and reduce conflicts arising from illegal occupation of mining areas.
The government issued 30 Primary Mining Licences (PMLs) to the miners on Saturday, July 18, 2026, after reclaiming a large exploration area that had remained unused by its previous owner.
The licences were issued from an exploration licence covering 5,441 acres that was cancelled after failing to meet regulatory requirements and returned to the government for redistribution.
The move is part of the government’s ongoing campaign to review mining licences across the country and ensure that mineral-rich areas are allocated to operators who are actively contributing to the sector.
Speaking during the handover ceremony in Kwimba, Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde said the decision was aimed at increasing participation of Tanzanians, particularly youth and women, in the mining industry.
He said President Samia Suluhu Hassan had directed that inactive mining licences should be withdrawn and the areas made available to small-scale miners who can use them productively.
“These licences were cancelled because they failed to meet the conditions required for their ownership. We are now reorganising these areas and giving opportunities to small-scale miners who are ready to work,” Mr Mavunde said.
He said the government would continue strengthening support for artisanal miners through training, technical assistance and access to modern mining equipment.
Under the Mining for a Brighter Tomorrow (MBT) programme, Mr Mavunde said more young people and women would be supported to acquire legal mining licences and improve their operations.
“We want to see more Tanzanians participating in mining legally and benefiting from the country’s resources without facing unnecessary challenges,” he said.
The minister also directed the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) to send drilling equipment to Mwanza to support small-scale miners in mineral exploration and improve their chances of identifying viable deposits.
Mr Mavunde urged citizens to stop invading licensed mining areas, saying the government was continuing with a nationwide exercise to identify and cancel licences that were not being utilised.
“The government is opening opportunities for small-scale miners by ensuring that areas are given to people who are ready to develop them while operating within the law,” he said.
Kwimba District Commissioner Ng’wilabuzu Ludigija commended the initiative, saying empowering small-scale miners would help improve household incomes and contribute to economic development in the district.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to use the licences responsibly, comply with mining regulations and adopt safer and more productive mining practices.
The government says expanding access to mining licences for small-scale operators is part of broader efforts to formalise artisanal mining, increase local participation in the sector and ensure mineral resources contribute more directly to Tanzania’s economic growth.
