MINISTER MAVUNDE WARNS OF TOUGH ACTION AGAINST MINING OFFICERS FUELING CONFLICTS

The Government has issued a strong warning to Regional Resident Mining Officers whose actions contribute to recurring conflicts in mining areas, stating that strict disciplinary measures will be taken against those found culpable.

Speaking in Dodoma on Thursday, the Minister for Minerals, Hon. Anthony Mavunde, said the Government will not hesitate to take decisive action, including removal from office, against mining officers whose offices are proven to be involved in or responsible for disputes among miners. He emphasized the importance of full compliance with the Mining Act and its Regulations in the execution of official duties.

Minister Mavunde made the remarks while officiating the opening of the Mining Commission Management Meeting, which brought together Directors, Managers, and Regional Resident Mining Officers. The meeting aimed to review the Commission’s performance during the second quarter of the year and to devise strategies for addressing emerging challenges in the mining sector.

The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr. Steven Kiruswa; Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals, Msafiri Mbibo; Chairperson of the Mining Commission, Dr. Janet Lekashingo; Mining Commissioner, Engineer Theonestina Mwasha; and Executive Secretary of the Mining Commission, Engineer Ramadhani Lwamo.

Minister Mavunde noted that some Regional Mining Offices have been contributing to persistent disputes in mining areas by issuing licenses to unqualified applicants, a practice that has resulted in complaints and conflicts among miners.

“If I find that your office is involved in conflicts among miners and I am satisfied beyond doubt that the office is responsible, I will not hesitate to take stern action, including removing you from your position,” he stressed.

He directed Regional Resident Mining Officers to uphold principles of fairness, transparency, and professionalism in service delivery, while also encouraging more citizens to apply for mining licenses by creating a conducive and investor-friendly environment.

In another directive, the Minister instructed Regional Mining Officers to submit, within seven days, a list of large-scale prospecting licenses that are inactive. Legal action, including issuing notices of offence and revoking such licenses, will be taken. He further directed the Director of Licensing to submit a list of companies holding large-scale prospecting licenses for close monitoring of compliance.

“Together with the Deputy Minister, we will closely monitor every license. Those found inactive will be revoked, and the areas will be allocated to small-scale miners,” he said.

Additionally, Minister Mavunde directed the Executive Secretary of the Mining Commission to ensure that the e-licensing system, which enables clients to access services without physically visiting offices, becomes fully operational before June 30, 2026, in a move aimed at improving efficiency and reducing bureaucracy.

The Minister also warned mining license holders to actively utilize their licenses, cautioning that inactive licenses will be revoked and reassigned to other investors with genuine intentions.

Furthermore, Regional Resident Mining Officers were instructed to submit, by February 28, 2026, reports on areas reserved for women and youth under the Mining for a Brighter Tomorrow (MBT) project.

In strengthening institutional performance, Minister Mavunde emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation among Regional Mining Officers in addressing sectoral challenges and urged them to uphold discipline among staff under their supervision, noting that they represent the image of the Ministry to the public.

Meanwhile, the Minister commended the Mining Commission for consistently surpassing revenue collection targets over the years. He revealed that mineral revenues have increased from TZS 161 billion in the 2015/2016 financial year to TZS 1.071 trillion in 2024/2025, attributing the growth to legal reforms, establishment of mineral markets and buying centers, and tighter control of revenue leakages.

He added that between July 2025 and January 22, 2026, the Government had already collected TZS 719 billion, equivalent to 59.9 percent of the TZS 1.2 trillion revenue target for the 2025/2026 financial year.

“This is a positive milestone, and I am confident that we will exceed the Government’s target before June 30, 2026,” he affirmed.

On his part, Deputy Minister for Minerals Dr. Steven Kiruswa congratulated Minister Mavunde for the continued trust bestowed upon him by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, noting that the Ministry and its institutions will continue working closely to further strengthen the mining sector.

Similarly, Deputy Permanent Secretary Msafiri Mbibo and Mining Commission Chairperson Dr. Janet Lekashingo expressed their appreciation to the Government for the ongoing directives, reforms, and improvements in service delivery and availability of working tools within the Mining Commission.