The Minister for Minerals, Hon. Anthony Mavunde, has announced that the Government of Tanzania is set to sign several major mining investment agreements in early February 2026, aimed at developing large-scale mining projects across the country, including the extraction of niobium at the Songwe Valley – Panda Hill in Mbeya Region.
The Minister made the remarks on January 26, 2026, in Dodoma while briefing journalists on the implementation of commitments made by Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, during her election campaigns, her address to the 13th Parliament, and the swearing-in of Cabinet Ministers.
“Beyond mining operations, this project will also include the construction of a processing and value-addition plant that will produce Ferro-Niobium,” said Minister Mavunde, adding that the development will position Tanzania among the world’s top producers of the mineral, ranking just behind Canada and Brazil.
The project is expected to cost over TZS 1 trillion and is projected to significantly contribute to economic growth, industrial development, and employment creation.
In another major development, the Minister revealed that global mining giant Barrick Gold is ready to commence advanced-stage gold exploration in Nzega District, Tabora Region, and Kahama District in Shinyanga Region.
“This advanced exploration marks a critical step toward the establishment of a new large-scale gold mine in the area,” he noted.
Speaking on geological exploration nationwide, Minister Mavunde stated that 97 percent of Tanzania has so far undergone basic geological surveys, with 100 percent covered by magnetic surveys and 24 percent by geochemical surveys.
“The Government aims to expand geochemical exploration coverage to 50 percent by 2030, in line with our vision: ‘Minerals are Life and Wealth’,” he emphasized.
On gold purchases by the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), the Minister disclosed that over the past 14 months, since October 2024, the Central Bank has purchased and secured 17 tonnes of gold as part of the national reserves. This achievement places Tanzania among the top 10 African countries with the largest gold reserves, surpassing Mozambique, which holds 6.89 tonnes, and drawing closer to leading countries such as Algeria with 174 tonnes.
Addressing the contribution of the mining sector to President Samia’s clean energy agenda, Minister Mavunde noted that through the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO), a new factory producing alternative charcoal known as Rafiki Briquettes from coal is expected to be launched soon in Tabora Region.
“These briquettes will support tobacco curing while significantly reducing the use of firewood,” he said.
Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the Government’s efforts to restore Tanzania’s position in both domestic and international mineral markets.
“Within these first 100 days, through collaboration between the Mining Commission and the Tanzania Mercantile Exchange (TMX), we have successfully conducted the country’s first-ever gemstone auction in Arusha, laying a strong foundation for a robust domestic mineral market,” he added.
Vision 2030: Minerals Are Life and Wealth
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