The Government has uncovered an illegal mineral trading operation in Dar es Salaam, arresting more than 14 people suspected of facilitating mineral smuggling outside the country’s formal trading system.
The operation, which was allegedly being conducted from a rented residential house, involved the trading and processing of minerals without using legally recognised mineral markets or buying centres, according to the Minister for Minerals, Mr Anthony Mavunde.
Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam on Sunday, August 9, 2026, Mr Mavunde said the discovery was part of intensified government efforts to tighten oversight of the mining sector, curb smuggling and ensure the country receives the revenue due from its mineral resources.
He said the suspects had turned a rented house into an informal mineral trading centre despite the availability of authorised mineral markets and buying centres across the country.
“These people, despite the Government establishing markets and buying centres across the country, decided to rent a house and turn it into a mineral market, which is against the law,” Mr Mavunde said.
The minister said the suspects would be taken before the courts after investigations are completed.
The discovery has also prompted the Government to turn its attention to residential properties that may be used as concealed mineral trading points.
Mr Mavunde urged landlords to understand the nature of activities conducted by their tenants, warning that failure to do so could expose them to legal problems if their premises are used for unlawful activities.
He directed authorities to conduct special inspections in selected areas of Dar es Salaam and other regions to identify houses being used as illegal mineral trading centres.
“We will conduct special inspections in some areas of Dar es Salaam and other regions to identify these houses being used as mineral markets and sources of mineral smuggling,” he said.
Preliminary investigations have also linked a foreign national to the alleged operation. Mr Mavunde said the individual had been placed under control as authorities continued investigating the alleged mineral smuggling network.
He directed law enforcement agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation to identify and arrest all individuals involved in the alleged smuggling chain.
Among the items seized at the premises were 174 grammes of minerals, two Niton DXL 800 XRF machines used for mineral analysis, weighing scales and equipment used in gold processing.
Other items included gas cylinders, gold-smelting pots, borax, gas pipes and moulds used to shape gold.
Authorities also seized TZS54.705 million in cash, with the minerals, money and equipment remaining in government custody as investigations continue.
The development highlights the challenges facing efforts to ensure that Tanzania's mineral trade is conducted through formal and regulated channels.
The Government has been strengthening mineral markets and buying centres as part of measures to improve transparency in mineral trading, protect public revenue and ensure that the country benefits from its natural resources.
The latest operation also signals increased scrutiny of informal trading networks, particularly those operating from residential premises and outside the established regulatory framework.
