Njombe. The Tanzanian government has announced that the Njombe Region is poised to become the nation’s newest mining investment hub following the discovery of high-demand Rare Earth Elements (REE).
The deposits primarily consist of Neodymium ($Nd$) and Praseodymium ($Pr$), two critical minerals essential for modern global technologies.
Speaking in Mkiu Village within the Ludewa District on May 20, 2026 the Resident Mining Officer for the Njombe Region, Mr Lucas Mlekwa, confirmed that exploration is actively being conducted by Hongji Mining Co. Ltd in partnership with local stakeholders.
He noted that the primary market for these minerals will be China, driven by the rapid expansion of the country’s industrial and technological sectors.
According to Engineer Mlekwa, these specific rare earth elements are vital components in the manufacturing of electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines, and various electronic devices utilized worldwide.
He emphasized that the Njombe Region is opening a new chapter of economic development through these critical resources, which play a substantial role in the global green technology revolution.
The mining firm has successfully completed the initial phase of exploration and is currently conducting an in-depth second-phase analysis before launching official production across a 280-square-kilometre area.
Financial compensation exceeding one billion Tanzanian shillings has already been distributed to local residents relocating for the project.
Furthermore, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is in its final stages of completion ahead of the commencement of extraction activities.
Discussing the operational strategy, the Director of Hongji Mining Co. Ltd, Yahya Mohamed, stated that the company has opted for In Situ Leaching technology.
This method significantly mitigates environmental degradation as it avoids large-scale open-pit mining and extensive underground tunneling.
He explained that this technological choice ensures sustainable extraction while safeguarding the environment and the surrounding communities.
Mr Mohamed concluded by stating that the company aims to ensure the residents of Njombe directly benefit from the project’s success through employment opportunities, local business integration, and broader economic growth.
