Nachingwea. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has ordered the issuance of a large-scale nickel mining licence to the State Mining Corporation (Stamico), as part of broader efforts to strengthen the parastatal and promote inclusive participation in the country’s mineral wealth.
The licence covers the Ntaka Hills area in Nachingwea District, Lindi Region, and marks a significant step towards harnessing Tanzania’s vast nickel reserves for national development.
In the same directive, the President also instructed that small-scale miners operating within the area be formalised and granted legal mining rights.
Speaking on July 8, 2025, during a public meeting at Nditi Village shortly after inspecting small-scale mining operations under the Union of Small-Scale Mining Groups, the minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, relayed the President’s commitment to inclusive development in the mining sector.
“President Samia has responded to your long-standing appeal to be granted mining areas within this government-owned licence. I am here to deliver this good news: you will not be evicted. Instead, you will be formalised and supported,” said Mr Mavunde.
He further urged small-scale miners to operate in accordance with the Mining Act, Cap 123, which requires miners to obtain consent from landowners before commencing operations—a move aimed at preventing land-related conflicts.
The minister disclosed that Stamico is expected to commence large-scale nickel extraction within the next 18 months, in accordance with the law.
“The government has already paid over Sh243 billion in compensation for this licence area. It is imperative that both STAMICO and small-scale miners engage in productive extraction that contributes to the Treasury,” he said.
Lindi Regional Commissioner, Zainab Telack, praised President Samia for restoring hope among artisanal miners and pledged full cooperation from regional authorities to ensure mining activities proceed smoothly and without conflict.
Chairman of the Lindi Regional Small-Scale Miners Association, Mr Mayunga Musa Buyaga, thanked the President for her compassion and inclusive vision.
“We are grateful for the recognition and support. We are committed to engaging in responsible and productive mining that benefits the country,” he said.
