Chunya. The government has commended industry stakeholders for responding positively to President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to establish mineral value addition industries in the country, in line with the national strategy to prohibit the export of raw minerals.
This was said on April 3, 2025, by the minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, during his visit to inspect the construction of a copper value addition plant in Mbugani Ward, Chunya District.
The facility is owned by Mineral Access System Tanzania (MAST).
“The President has instructed us to ensure strict adherence to laws and regulations that facilitate local value addition before minerals are exported. This will enable the country to reap greater benefits from the mining sector,” said Mavunde.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to working closely with stakeholders and investors supporting this initiative, noting that it would significantly contribute to economic growth, job creation, and increased national revenue.
Mr Mavunde explained that for copper to be exported, it must undergo processing to reach at least 20 percent purity, whereas locally mined copper currently contains only between 0.5 percent and 2 percent.
He noted that the new plant would process copper to a purity level exceeding 70 percent, marking a major economic transformation for the country.
Mr Mavunde expressed satisfaction with MAST’s operational model.
He said that the company’s plan to support small-scale miners by providing training, financing mining activities, and purchasing their low-grade copper was laudable.
He described this as a vital intervention that would stabilise the market and prevent losses for artisanal miners.
Outlining the government’s ongoing initiatives, Mr Mavunde revealed plans to establish nationwide leasing centres for mining equipment to facilitate small-scale miners at affordable costs.
MAST managing director, Georgefrey Kente, expressed gratitude to the government for creating a conducive investment environment.
He pledged that the company would set up additional mineral processing plants in Dodoma and Lindi as part of its expansion strategy.
Chunya Acting Commissioner District, who is also the district executive director (DED), Michombero Anakleth, praised the government’s swift approval of the project.
He reaffirmed the district’s commitment to supporting the revocation of inactive mining licences to allocate them to investors with genuine development plans for the nation’s benefit.
