Morogoro. The government has officially handed over prospecting (PL) and special mining licences (SMLs) for strategic rare earth elements (REE) to the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO), marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to harness critical minerals for national development.
The licence handover ceremony was presided over by the minister for Minerals, Mr Anthony Mavunde, on July 24, 2025, at Sesenga Primary School grounds in Sesenga Village, Mgazi Ward, Morogoro District.
The move follows the government’s decision to revoke the licences from Wigu Hill Mining Company Limited after the conclusion of a legal dispute at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).
Addressing hundreds of villagers gathered for the official ceremony, Mr Mavunde said rare earth elements are among the most sought-after strategic minerals globally due to their indispensable role in modern technology.
“These minerals are essential in the production of military equipment, smartphones, computers, electric vehicle batteries, medical devices, and various industrial machines. This is a unique opportunity for the people of Sesenga, Morogoro District, the region and the entire nation to benefit from this important resource,” said Mr Mavunde.
He added that the project would create numerous employment opportunities for local residents and drive socio-economic development through prioritised local procurement and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
“The Morogoro District Council will also see an increase in its revenues through service levies collected from mining activities,” he said.
Mr Mavunde directed STAMICO to immediately commence development of the licence so that production activities can begin without delay.
Morogoro District Commissioner, Mr Mussa Kilakala, commended the minister for his leadership in the mining sector and pledged continued cooperation from the district authorities to ensure national interests are safeguarded.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals, Yahya Samamba, expressed appreciation to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for establishing a conducive and secure environment for mining operations in the country, which he said has enabled miners to benefit from the country’s natural endowments.
On his part, STAMICO Managing Director, Dr Venance Mwasse, thanked the government for its continued trust in the state-run corporation, assuring that STAMICO is well-prepared to undertake the project professionally and efficiently.
“We fully recognise our national duty. STAMICO is ready to manage this project with utmost diligence to ensure it contributes meaningfully to the growth of the mining sector and the national economy,” said Dr Mwasse.
The government’s decision to assign the licence to STAMICO is part of broader efforts to safeguard national interests in the mining sector by ensuring that resource-rich areas are not left undeveloped, and that mineral wealth translates directly into improved livelihoods and economic growth.
