Tanzania: Local miners, investors to take over mining rights as Gov’t revokes 40 exploration licences
Tanzania has moved to tighten control over its mining sector, revoking 40 mineral exploration licences in a sweeping enforcement action targeting companies accused of holding assets without developing them.
Tanzanian Minister of Minerals Anthony Mavunde ordered the Mining Commission to cancel the licences after repeated non-compliance by operators, despite prior warnings and grace periods to rectify violations.
A ministry assessment found widespread breaches, including hoarding of exploration blocks without development, failure to pay statutory fees, non-compliance with local content rules, and weak corporate social responsibility commitments.
“The government will not tolerate negligence that hinders the development of the mining sector and the broader economy,” Mavunde told reporters in Dodoma.
Authorities said the revoked licences will be returned to the state and reallocated under the “Mining for a Brighter Tomorrow” programme, targeting small-scale miners, capable investors, and designated groups to boost inclusive participation.
Africa’s mining push accelerates regulatory tightening
The decision reflects a broader trend across Africa, where governments are increasingly reviewing mining agreements, enforcing stricter licensing conditions, and prioritising national ownership of mineral wealth.
From gold to critical minerals, states are seeking to ensure that licences translate into actual production, job creation, and revenue rather than speculative holding.
In Tanzania’s case, the crackdown also reinforces its position as the world’s only source of Tanzanite, a strategically valuable gemstone concentrated near Mount Kilimanjaro.
“We have identified serious violations that undermine the sector’s potential,” Mavunde said, adding that enforcement is intended to restore discipline and transparency in licensing.
The Mining Commission has also issued compliance notices to 43 additional licence holders, giving them 30 days to address outstanding issues or face cancellation.
Failure to comply, officials warned, will result in further revocations, with assets reassigned to investors capable of advancing development and accelerating output in one of East Africa’s most resource-rich economies.
