Tanga. The mining sector in Tanzania is undergoing a transformation, with innovations in mineral value addition creating fresh opportunities, particularly in the construction sub-sector.
Among the key breakthroughs is the use of processed sand, which is now playing a critical role in major national projects, including the rehabilitation of Tanga Port and the construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
In Tanga Region, Muwa Trading Tanzania Limited has invested in a water-based sand washing and purification plant that removes soil, roots and other impurities.
This has elevated the value of sand from a low-priced raw material into a highly sought-after industrial input.
The region, long recognised for its industrial and construction minerals, is now witnessing demand for the refined product in strategic projects, cement factories, and other large-scale infrastructure initiatives.
The availability of clean, high-quality sand has not only eased access to reliable raw materials but has also opened new markets for small-scale miners and traders who previously relied on selling low-value raw sand.
Tanga Regional Mining Officer, Eng Laurent Bujashi, said the innovation has delivered substantial benefits to both the industrial and construction sectors.
“Washed sand from this plant has been utilised in major strategic undertakings, including the rehabilitation of Tanga Port, the establishment of new factories in the region, and the implementation of the crude oil pipeline project in Chongeleani. This development has simplified access to quality materials while creating new market opportunities for miners and sand dealers,” he said.
Muwa Trading’s Operations Officer, Kaparata Maulid, emphasised that the technology is contributing directly to economic development at both regional and national levels.
“Through this technology we are producing high-quality sand that meets the standards required for strategic projects across the country. This marks an important step in enhancing the value of our resources while supporting the government’s industrialisation agenda,” he noted.
Among the benefits of processed sand are the improvement of raw material quality for infrastructure projects, the facilitation of new industrial investments, the creation of jobs for local residents, and the provision of a sustainable market for artisanal miners.
With such investments, Tanga is positioning itself as a hub of innovation and value addition within the mining sector, contributing directly to Tanzania’s vision of building a competitive, industry-driven economy through locally sourced raw materials.
