Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Tanzanian government, through the Ministry of Minerals, has issued compliance notices to 95 large- and medium-scale mining companies for failing to develop their allocated mining licenses, in violation of the conditions outlined in the Mining Act.
Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam, the Minister of Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, stated that the companies are required to respond to the allegations within 30 days from the date the notices were issued.
The notices were officially released on April 14, 2025, and the deadline for responses is May 13, 2025.
“If they have valid reasons, they should submit their responses for verification. If their explanations are satisfactory, we will lift the restrictions. Otherwise, their licenses will be revoked per Section 63 of the Mining Act, Chapter 123,” said Minister Mavunde.
He explained that the law stipulates a license holder must begin mining operations within 18 months of being granted the license. However, he noted that some companies that were issued licenses as far back as 2011 have yet to begin any operations, over 14 years later.
“There are companies that have held licenses since 2011 and haven’t even broken ground. We cannot continue with this kind of system. A person cannot be granted a license and then start looking for capital. The law requires proof of financial and technical capacity before a license is issued,” Mavunde emphasized.
The minister also warned that companies failing to respond within the given timeframe should not expect any leniency from the Government. “We have followed all legal procedures. Those who rush to court to sue the Government must understand that we are acting strictly by the law, which requires all license holders to develop their mining projects,” he added.
This move is part of the Government’s broader efforts to ensure that the country’s natural resources are utilized effectively for the benefit of Tanzanians and to promote growth in the mining sector.
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