Government, mining stakeholders push for greater local participation in sector

 

By The Respondents Reporter

The government has pledged to maintain regular engagement with investors and mining service providers as part of efforts to strengthen Tanzania’s mining industry, improve the investment climate and expand the sector’s contribution to the economy.

Speaking at the Mining Breakfast Briefing (MBB), Minerals Minister Anthony Mavunde said continued dialogue between the government and industry players was essential in addressing operational challenges, attracting investment and enhancing the sector’s competitiveness.

The forum, organised jointly by the Tanzania Chamber of Mines (TCM) and the Ministry of Minerals, brought together government officials, mining companies and service providers to discuss opportunities and challenges facing the industry.

Mr Mavunde said the government viewed the platform as an important avenue for exchanging views, identifying emerging challenges and developing practical solutions through collaboration.

“The mining sector continues to play a strategic role in economic growth. Regular engagement with stakeholders enables us to address concerns, improve the business environment and maximise the benefits of the country’s mineral resources,” he said.

He urged Tanzanians, particularly companies supplying goods and services to mines, to invest in manufacturing industries capable of producing mining-related equipment and consumables locally.

According to the minister, expanding local production would strengthen value addition, create jobs and increase the participation of Tanzanian businesses in the mining value chain.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals Yahya Samamba said cooperation between the government and the private sector remained critical to unlocking the sector’s potential and ensuring investment opportunities translate into broader economic benefits.

He noted that sustained communication would help identify challenges early and facilitate timely interventions.

Tanzania Chamber of Mines chairman Philbert Rweyemamu commended the government for maintaining open dialogue with industry players and promoting a stable investment environment.

He said the chamber would continue working with the government to support sector growth and attract new investment.

“The engagement between the government and stakeholders has strengthened confidence in the sector and created opportunities for constructive discussions on issues affecting mining operations,” he said.

The meeting also heard updates on the progress of the uranium project being developed by Mantra Tanzania Limited.

The company’s Sustainability Manager, Majani Wambura, said exploration activities had confirmed uranium reserves estimated at about 58,500 tonnes, with annual production expected to reach 3,000 tonnes once operations begin.

He said the project, which is expected to start production in 2029, could create more than 4,000 jobs and operate for over two decades.

Mr Wambura added that ongoing exploration could further expand the resource base and potentially position Tanzania among the world’s top 10 uranium-producing countries.

He noted that uranium has a wide range of applications, including electricity generation and medical technologies used in diagnosis and treatment.

Closing the forum, Deputy Minister for Minerals Steven Kiruswa underscored the importance of institutionalising regular dialogue between the government and industry stakeholders.

He said sustained engagement would help improve communication, resolve emerging challenges and strengthen Tanzania’s position as a competitive destination for mining investment.

The discussions come as Tanzania seeks to increase local participation in the mining industry while attracting new investment to support industrialisation, employment creation and revenue growth.

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