The Mining Commission has given owners and operators of small-scale mining projects operating under technical support agreements 30 days to address regulatory shortcomings, warning that failure to comply could result in legal action, including cancellation of the agreements.
The directive follows an inspection of 128 projects, with the Commission finding that 42 were not operational, while 86 were active but had various compliance gaps.
Speaking in Dodoma on Wednesday, Mining Commission Executive Secretary Ramadhani Lwamo said owners of the 42 non-operational projects had been issued with notices requiring them to explain, within 30 days, measures taken to resume operations in line with the law and the terms of their technical support approvals.
The inspections were conducted following a directive issued by Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde on April 27, 2026, during the presentation of the Ministry's budget for the 2026/27 financial year.
Mr Lwamo said the inspection also established that some operating projects were not fully implementing plans required under mining regulations.
“These include approved Environmental Management Plans, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) plans, Technology Transfer Plans, Mining Plans and Mine Opening Plans,” he said.
Owners of the 86 operating projects found with deficiencies, as well as their technical support providers, have been directed to correct the shortcomings within 30 days in accordance with the 2025 Technical Support Regulations for Holders of Primary Mining Licences.
Mr Lwamo warned that projects that fail to comply within the stipulated period could face further enforcement measures.
“Should the parties involved fail to meet the requirements within the stipulated period, the Mining Commission will take further legal action, including cancellation of the Technical Support Agreements,” he said.
The Commission will continue with regular inspections and monitoring of small-scale mining projects operating under technical support arrangements to ensure compliance with the Mining Act, its regulations and conditions attached to approved agreements.
Mr Lwamo also urged small-scale miners and beneficiaries of technical support to prioritise environmental protection, workplace safety and occupational health.
He further called on miners to take additional precautions during the current period of weather uncertainty, particularly given warnings about the possibility of El Niño-related rains.
“Safety must remain a priority because mining activities can expose workers, communities and property to significant risks, particularly during heavy rains,” he said.
The enforcement drive is part of efforts to strengthen regulation of Tanzania's small-scale mining sector and ensure technical support arrangements deliver their intended benefits.
The Commission said the measures are also aimed at improving compliance, productivity and safety while promoting more sustainable mining operations.