Dodoma. The government of Tanzania has officially revoked 40 mineral exploration licences due to non-compliance.
This decisive move aims to strengthen the management of national mineral resources.
The minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, issued the directive to the Mining Commission earlier today in Dodoma.
The cancelled licences cover a vast area of approximately 900 square kilometres, which equates to 188,163 acres of land returned to state control.
Owners of these licences failed to develop their designated areas despite receiving formal default notices.
The ministry of Minerals conducted a thorough assessment before reaching this conclusion.
Significant violations of licence conditions prompted this regulatory action.
Some owners held land for extended periods without performing any visible investment.
Others failed to pay statutory fees or adhere to local content requirements.
There was also a notable lack of corporate social responsibility projects in the affected regions.
Mr Mavunde emphasised that the government will no longer tolerate negligence.
Such inactivity hampers the growth of the mining sector and the broader economy.
Hoarding licences often triggers land disputes and encourages unregulated mining activities.
These issues pose serious risks to public safety and environmental protection.
The revoked areas will now be redistributed to more capable stakeholders.
A substantial portion of this land is earmarked for specific demographic groups.
These include women, youth, and people living with disabilities.
This initiative aligns with the “Mining for a Brighter Tomorrow” programme.
Furthermore, the Minister issued a final warning to another 43 licence holders.
These individuals have 30 days to rectify existing defects or face similar cancellations.
The government remains committed to ensuring that mineral wealth benefits those ready to invest.
Minister Mavunde also warned against the invasion of legally held mining sites by unauthorised persons.
