Dealing in Minerals in Tanzania

Law and Procedure

Tanzania is a mineral-rich country with a diverse range of valuable minerals. To engage in the mineral business in Tanzania, it is essential to establish a registered company, whether it is a local or foreign entity. The mineral industry in Tanzania is regulated by the government, and there are two major licenses required for individuals or companies interested in the trade: the Brokerage License and the Dealership License.

  1. Brokerage License: This license grants the investor the right to collect minerals within Tanzania. Under this license, individuals or companies can act as intermediaries, helping to facilitate the trade of minerals between miners and dealers or exporters.
  2. Dealership License: The Dealership License allows an investor to export minerals abroad. It is an essential requirement for those interested in taking minerals out of Tanzania for international trade.

Tanzania boasts a wealth of minerals, with some of the most prominent ones being:

1. Gold: Tanzania is one of Africa's leading gold producers, and it has a significant presence in the global gold market. The gold is mainly found in various regions, including the Lake Victoria Goldfield, the Geita Greenstone Belt, and the Lupa Goldfield.

2. Tanzanite: Tanzanite is a unique and valuable blue gemstone that is only found in Tanzania, specifically in the Merelani Hills of Manyara Region. It is highly sought after for its rarity and stunning blue-violet color.

3. Diamond: Tanzania is renowned for its diamond production. These precious gems are primarily sourced from the Mwadui region and the Williamson diamond mine in Shinyanga. Tanzanian diamonds are prized for their quality and are often used in jewelry.

Apart from the three minerals mentioned above, Tanzania is also rich in other minerals, including but not limited to:

4. Copper: Copper deposits can be found in regions such as Mbeya and Singida. The country has significant copper reserves, and mining operations are actively exploring and exploiting these resources.

5. Coal: Tanzania has substantial coal deposits in areas like Kiwira, Ngaka, and Rukwa. Coal is used for both domestic energy production and potential exports.

6. Gemstones: In addition to tanzanite, Tanzania is known for a variety of colored gemstones, including rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. These gemstones can be found in various regions, such as Tunduru and Morogoro.

7. Tanzanian Red Ruby: This is another precious gemstone found in Tanzania, with deposits in the Manyara and Arusha regions.

8. Limestone: Limestone is abundant in various regions and is used in construction, cement production, and agriculture.

9. Iron Ore: Iron ore reserves can be found in Liganga and Mchuchuma, which have the potential for large-scale iron and steel production.

10. Nickel and Cobalt: These minerals are found in parts of Tanzania, and their demand has been growing, particularly due to their use in batteries for electric vehicles.

Tanzania's mineral resources contribute significantly to the country's economy, and they offer a range of opportunities for investors, provided they adhere to the necessary licensing and regulatory requirements. The minerals mentioned here represent just a fraction of Tanzania's overall mineral wealth, making it a prime destination for mineral business ventures.