DODOMA: The government of Tanzania has revoked 40 mineral prospecting licences and reclaimed about 188,163 acres of land after holders failed to meet regulatory requirements, in a move aimed at strengthening oversight and improving efficiency in the mining sector.
Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde said the affected licence holders had not developed their concession areas despite being issued default notices, in line with provisions of the Mining Act Cap. 123.
He directed the Mining Commission to continue inspections and take action against undeveloped licences, adding that the reclaimed land could be reassigned to investors ready to undertake exploration and production.
The Commission has also issued default notices to 43 additional licences — including 40 prospecting and three medium-scale mining permits — citing non-compliance such as licence hoarding, unpaid statutory fees, failure to meet local content requirements and weak delivery on corporate social responsibility commitments.
“If the licence holders fail to rectify the identified issues within 30 days, the licences should be revoked so that the areas can be reallocated to other investors,” Mavunde said.
The enforcement push comes as Tanzania seeks to maximise returns from its mineral resources, with mining contributing significantly to export earnings, particularly through gold. The government has in recent years stepped up regulatory reforms to improve transparency, boost local participation and ensure timely project development.
Mavunde said authorities were also monitoring a rise in informal gold rush activities in several regions, warning that mining without valid licences is illegal.
Under Tanzanian law, all mineral exploration and extraction must be conducted under authorised permits. The minister said unregulated mining can lead to safety risks, environmental damage and conflicts between informal miners and licensed operators.
“In gold rush areas, large numbers of people often gather within a short period under informal and congested conditions, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks,” he said, adding that authorities take public health and security measures in such situations.
He also warned against the growing trend of small-scale miners encroaching on licensed areas, saying such actions disrupt operations and result in losses for legitimate investors.
The government would take firm legal action against violators, including eviction and prosecution, he said.
Tanzania, one of Africa’s leading gold producers, has been working to formalise artisanal and small-scale mining while attracting investment into large and medium-scale projects as part of its broader industrialisation and economic growth strategy.
Mavunde urged all stakeholders to comply with established procedures and regulations, saying adherence is essential to safeguarding public safety, maintaining order and supporting sustainable development of the sector.