Dodoma. The Tanzanian government is upgrading its digital framework for managing mineral exploration licences.
The minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, confirmed the development during a television interview in Dodoma on Thursday April 2026.
This new system, he said, handles the entire licensing lifecycle, manages applications and the submission of quarterly reports.
The platform also issues default notices and executes automatic cancellations.
Human intervention is no longer required for these administrative actions.
Mr Mavunde said that the automation will eliminate manual oversight of licence terminations.
“The system notifies holders of upcoming deadlines and compliance requirements’,” he said.
“It will revoke permits instantly if statutory conditions remain unmet,” he added.
Exploration licences serve as the essential foundation for establishing large and medium-scale mines.
But when licensed areas remain idle it results in significant losses for the national economy, he noted.
“The government loses vital revenue and employment opportunities. It also misses potential growth within the mineral value chain,” Mr Mavunde noted.
The digital shift follows a recent enforcement action by the Ministry.
On April 15, 2026, the Mining Commission received instructions to cancel 40 exploration licences.
These permits covered 900 square kilometres of land.
The owners failed to adhere to legal requirements despite receiving official warnings.
The government is committed to a strict interpretation of the Mining Act. It aims to eliminate complacency within the sector.
Tanzania seeks investors with a genuine intent to develop mineral resources for national benefit.
The mining sector currently contributes 10.1 per cent to the national Gross Domestic Product.
Mr Mavunde remarked that the figure as a mark of significant progress for the country.
Successful exploration on these disputed lands would have led to numerous new mining operations.
The government is also prioritising social inclusivity through the Mining For A Brighter Tomorrow programme.
This initiative assists young people, women, and persons with disabilities.
It provides access to licences, capital, and modern mining equipment. Interested individuals are encouraged to join formal groups to benefit from this state support.
