SPC -Blog-Morogoro
Minister of Minerals, Hon. Anthony Mavunde, has banned foreigners from entering and conducting activities under small-scale mining licenses. This decision follows challenges identified in agreements for providing technical assistance between small-scale mining license holders and foreign nationals.
He made this announcement on February 17, 2025, while opening a working session to gather stakeholder opinions on drafting the 2025 Mining Regulations for Technical Assistance to Small-Scale Mining License Holders. The session was held at the Edema Hotel conference hall in Morogoro.
Additionally, Minister Mavunde urged all participants of the working session to freely and openly express their views to help formulate practical and effective regulations aimed at enhancing productivity across the entire mining sector in the country. This initiative also aligns with the requirements of Section 8(3) of the Mining Act, Chapter 123.
"In a short period, we have witnessed significant changes in the mining sector due to the commitment of our President, Hon. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is determined to ensure that small-scale miners receive the necessary support. Today, I am directing the Commissioner’s office to assist small-scale miners in progressing from their current status to a more advanced level," he stated.
"It is unacceptable that a foreigner enters a small-scale miner’s license area through a technical assistance agreement, yet small-scale miners neither benefit nor advance in technology and capital use. This was never the intention of the law when establishing such provisions to support the growth of small-scale miners," Minister Mavunde emphasized.
Furthermore, Minister Mavunde issued a warning to small-scale miners against inviting foreigners into their mining license areas without following proper procedures. He stated that those who violate this directive risk having their licenses revoked. He also cautioned mining officers across the country to regulate and prevent unauthorized entry of foreign nationals into small-scale mining areas.
On his part, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Minerals, Msafiri Mbibo, stated that the session aimed to collect stakeholder suggestions to draft the regulations on technical assistance for small-scale mining license holders. He affirmed that the Ministry is open and ready to receive input from all stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the President of the Small-Scale Miners Association of Tanzania, John Bina, commended Minister Mavunde for involving mining sector stakeholders, including small-scale miners, in drafting these regulations instead of the Ministry drafting them alone.
The session brought together various stakeholders, including leaders of small-scale miners from all regions in the country, women’s small-scale mining associations in Tanzania, and mining business operators.
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