By The Respondents ReporterThe government has stepped up efforts to protect Tanzania’s mineral wealth after authorities seized gold worth TZS 1.345 billion in Kagera in an operation targeting illegal mineral smuggling.
The seized gold comprised 163 pieces weighing 4,434.66 grams, which were intercepted during an operation conducted on July 1, 2026 by the Tanzania Police Force, the Mining Commission, security organs and the Task Force against mineral smuggling.
Speaking in Kagera yesterday, Deputy Minister for Minerals Dr Steven Kiruswa said the government would continue strengthening supervision of the mining sector to ensure minerals benefit citizens and contribute to economic growth.
He said illegal mineral trade denies the country important revenues that could support development projects and improve public services.
“The government is determined to ensure minerals are traded through official channels where miners and traders can operate safely while the nation benefits from its resources,” Dr Kiruswa said.
Dr Kiruswa also warned individuals and online networks involved in promoting illegal mineral transactions, saying authorities would take action against those facilitating the smuggling of minerals.
He revealed that from July 2025 to March 2026, the government seized minerals worth TZS 3.31 billion through 55 operations carried out across the country.
The Deputy Minister encouraged small-scale miners, mineral dealers, brokers and citizens involved in the sector to use Tanzania’s more than 40 authorised mineral markets and buying centres to sell and purchase minerals legally.
He said the official markets provide a secure environment for traders, improve transparency and help ensure that revenues generated from the mining sector support national development.
The latest crackdown highlights ongoing government efforts to strengthen accountability in the mining industry, protect legitimate businesses and ensure Tanzanians gain greater benefits from the country’s mineral resources.
