The Ministry of Minerals has issued 8,501 mining licenses between July 2024 and March 2025, edging closer to its annual target of 10,294 licenses. The development reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen the mining sector and enhance regulation.
Presenting the Ministry’s budget estimates for the 2025/2026 financial year in Parliament today, May 2, 2025, the Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde (MP), said the licenses were issued across various categories to support both small- and large-scale mining operations.
“The government remains committed to formalizing and regulating the mining industry to ensure that it contributes meaningfully to the national economy,” said Mavunde.
Out of the total licenses issued, one was a Special Mining License (SML), while 25 were Medium-Scale Mining Licenses (MLs).
Prospecting Licenses (PLs) amounted to 396, and the majority 6,227 were Primary Mining Licenses (PMLs) issued to small-scale miners.
Additionally, 548 Dealer Licenses (DLs), 1,290 Broker Licenses (BLs), one Refining License (RFL), and 13 Processing Plant Licenses (PCLs) were granted.
However, the Minister also noted regulatory challenges. “During the period under review, 118 prospecting licenses and 41 medium-scale licenses were issued with default notices due to failure to comply with license conditions, including non-payment of annual fees and failure to develop the licensed areas,” he explained.
As a result, five prospecting licenses and nine medium-scale mining licenses were revoked after their holders failed to rectify the identified issues.
To further support small-scale miners, Mavunde announced that the Mining Commission had set aside 65 new areas specifically for their operations.
These areas are located in key mining regions including Geita, Mara, Mbogwe, Kahama, Chunya, and Songwe.
“We are prioritizing small-scale miners by allocating safe and regulated areas to help them operate legally and benefit from their activities,” he added.
In addition to licensing, the Ministry undertook significant efforts in sample testing and analysis. A total of 972 copper concentrate samples were received and examined from companies such as Bulyanhulu Gold Mine, Katavi Mining Company Limited, Jiuxing (TZ) Mining Limited, and ZEM (T) Company Limited.
“We also received 4,011 samples from individual clients, which were tested to help them make informed decisions about mining and mineral trading,” said Mavunde. “From these services, the government collected TZS 296,732,000 in statutory charges.”
The Minister emphasized that the Ministry would continue to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability within the mining sector, in line with the government’s broader economic goals.