Dodoma. Tanzania’s mining sector has continued to consolidate its position as a key pillar of the national economy, buoyed by robust revenue performance and the rollout of major strategic projects within the first 100 days of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration.
Briefing journalists in Dodoma on January 26, 2026, the minister for Minerals, Mr Anthony Mavunde, said the sector has generated more than Sh741 billion in government revenue by January 25, 2026, reflecting stronger domestic revenue mobilisation and improved oversight.
Mr Mavunde noted that the 100 Days have been marked by significant progress in large-scale investments, exploration activity and value addition initiatives that are expected to reshape the country’s mining landscape over the medium to long term.
“The mining sector is currently implementing or preparing 13 major projects, underscoring the government’s commitment to harnessing mineral resources as a catalyst for economic growth, industrial development and employment creation,” Mr Mavunde noted.
He noted that a centrepiece of these developments is Tanzania’s anticipated entry into the global map of ferro-niobium producers.
The government expects to sign major mining agreements in early February 2026, including a landmark deal for niobium extraction in the Songwe Valley at Panda Hill, Mbeya Region.
In addition to mining operations, the project will incorporate a processing and value-addition plant to produce ferro-niobium, a critical alloy used in high-strength steel and advanced industrial applications.
According to Mr Mavunde, the initiative will position Tanzania among the world’s leading producers of ferro-niobium, alongside Canada and Brazil, marking a significant milestone in the country’s push to move beyond raw mineral exports.
“The project, estimated to cost more than Sh1 trillion, is expected to stimulate economic activity, create substantial employment opportunities and strengthen downstream industrial linkages,” he noted.
The mining sector has also recorded notable progress in gold exploration and production prospects.
Mr Mavunde confirmed that international gold mining firm Barrick Gold is poised to commence advanced exploration activities in Nzega District, Tabora Region, as well as in Kahama, Shinyanga Region.
He described the planned studies as a critical step towards the possible establishment of a new large-scale gold mine, which could further bolster Tanzania’s standing as a leading gold producer in Africa.
Meanwhile, Tanzania has strengthened its position in the regional gold market through the official purchase of 17 tonnes of gold, a move that places the country among the top 10 gold-buying nations in Africa.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to formalise gold trade, enhance foreign exchange reserves and ensure that mineral wealth contributes more directly to national development.
Progress has also been reported in geological research, which underpins sustainable mineral exploitation.
The minister said basic geological surveys have now covered 97 per cent of the country, while magnetic surveys have been completed nationwide.
Geochemical surveys currently stand at 24 per cent, with the government aiming to expand coverage to 50 per cent by 2030 in line with its long-term vision, encapsulated in the guiding principle that minerals are a source of life and wealth.
Collectively, these developments provide important context to the recent surge in mining revenues.
They reflect a deliberate policy shift towards improved governance, expanded exploration, large-scale investment and value addition, all of which are intended to ensure that the sector delivers lasting benefits to the economy.
As the government advances its reform agenda and prepares to conclude new mining agreements, the sector is increasingly being positioned not only as a source of fiscal revenue, but also as a driver of industrialisation, technological advancement and inclusive growth in the years ahead.
