Mwanza. The government has issued mining licences to about 400 young people in Kwimba District, Mwanza Region, as part of efforts to expand opportunities for small-scale miners and improve livelihoods.
The licences were handed over by the Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
The exercise follows President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to revoke mining licences that remain unused and reallocate them to active small-scale miners.
A total of 30 Primary Mining Licences (PMLs) were issued to the beneficiaries.
The licences were carved out of a large prospecting licence covering 5,441 acres that was cancelled and returned to the government after its holder failed to meet the required conditions.
The initiative aims to enable small-scale miners to operate legally on their own claims, reduce conflicts arising from illegal encroachment on mining areas and promote economic growth at both household and national levels.
Speaking during the handover, Mr Mavunde said the government would complement the licences by providing essential support services to improve productivity and safety in the mining sector.
He said these would include extension services, technical training and drilling equipment purchased by the government for use by small-scale miners.
“These are licences that have been revoked because the holders failed to meet the conditions under which they were issued. We will now ensure they are put to productive use through strategic investment and by empowering small-scale miners,” Mr Mavunde said.
He said the government would continue implementing the Mining for a Brighter Tomorrow (MBT) programme to ensure that more young people and women gain legal access to mining opportunities.
Mr Mavunde also urged members of the public to stop invading other people’s mining claims, saying the government was continuing a nationwide exercise to cancel inactive licences and redistribute them to eligible small-scale miners.
He said the ongoing reforms would provide miners with secure legal access to mining areas while supporting the sustainable growth of the country’s mining industry.
