The Tanzania Mining Commission (TMC) has successfully issued 54,626 mineral extraction-related licenses over the past seven years.

According to TMC's Acting Director of License and Information and Communications Technology (IT), Aziza Swedi, these licenses were granted from the 2018/2019 fiscal year to September 30, 2024.

Swedi detailed that, among these licenses, 35,536 were primary mining licenses (PMLs), 216 were mineral processing licenses (PCLs), and seven were refinery licenses (RFLs). 

In a statement made yesterday in Dodoma, Swedi noted that the Commission also issued 1,683 processing licenses (PLs), 144 medium-scale mining licenses (MLs), and five special mining licenses (SMLs) for large-scale miners.

"Over the past seven years, we also issued six mineral smelting licenses (SLs). Additionally, 12,273 licenses were allocated to mineral brokers, and 4,756 licenses were granted to mineral dealers," Swedi stated.

She further explained that TMC has focused on supporting small-scale miners by setting aside specific areas for their operations and facilitating access to mining licenses. This effort includes connecting miners with financial institutions for loan access to enhance their mining activities.

"By October 2024, the Commission had successfully designated 65 areas for small-scale miners across various mining regions," said Eng. Aziza. The Commission continues collaborating with the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) to conduct research aimed at providing miners with reliable data on mineral resource locations.

Swedi emphasized that to strengthen licensing management, the Commission has implemented a new system to improve the process and oversight of mining licenses.

Tanzania is endowed with abundant mineral resources that significantly contribute to the national economy through foreign exchange earnings, government revenue, and job creation. 

The country boasts deposits of industrial minerals such as limestone, gypsum, phosphate, and soda ash, essential for producing cement, fertilizers, and other industrial products. 

Limestone mining, in particular, supports the cement industry and, by extension, the construction sector.

Tanzania is also home to rare earth elements crucial for manufacturing high-tech devices, including smartphones, wind turbines, and various electronic components. 

Exploratory efforts in regions like Stalike hold promise for further development in this sector.

Uranium reserves in Tanzania, particularly in the Mkuju River Project area within the Selous Game Reserve, highlight the potential for energy production, though the industry is in its early stages and heavily regulated for environmental safety.

The government has implemented reforms and policies to boost local involvement, revenue, and sustainable practices. 

Regulations requiring increased local ownership in mining ventures ensure that the nation's mineral wealth benefits its people equitably.

However, challenges persist, such as fluctuating global commodity prices, infrastructure issues, regulatory hurdles, and the management of artisanal mining. Environmental and land rights concerns also necessitate sustainable practices and community engagement for balanced development.

Despite these challenges, Tanzania's mining sector holds strong potential. Continued exploration and infrastructural improvements, partnerships, and value addition through processing and refining can position the country as a more competitive force in the global minerals market.