Minister Mavunde highlights benefits of 2010 Mining Law Amendments

ARUSHA- Changes to the Mining Law of 2010 have opened new avenues for improving the investment environment in Tanzania and ensuring that the nation's citizens reap the benefits of its mineral wealth.

This was announced by the Minister of Minerals, Hon. Anthony Mavunde, at the inauguration of the Third Forum for the Participation of Tanzanians in the Mining Sector, held at the AICC International Conference Hall in Arusha.

Minister Mavunde emphasized that these legislative changes prioritize Tanzanian participation, mandating that all investors in the production and trade of minerals give precedence to Tanzanians.

"The 2017 amendments to the Mining Law led to the creation of the 2018 Local Content Regulations, which have been instrumental in ensuring robust management of Tanzanian involvement in the mining sector," said Hon. Mavunde.

He acknowledged past grievances where Tanzanians were sidelined, stating, "There were many complaints about Tanzanians being mere bystanders until the profits were shared. However, since the 2017 legal reforms, Tanzanian participation has grown substantially, with many now holding high leadership positions in mining companies.

Minister Mavunde highlighted that from July 2023 to March 2024, the Ministry, through the Mining Commission, received and reviewed 801 Local Content plans, marking a 57 percent increase from the 510 plans submitted during the same period in the previous financial year.

"This clearly shows that awareness among Tanzanians about seizing opportunities in the mining sector is growing rapidly," noted Hon. Mavunde.

He underscored that the Ministry, through the Mining Commission, remains committed to prioritizing Tanzanian employment in large and medium mining companies. By March 2024, a total of 19,358 official jobs were created in the mines, with 18,853 (97 percent) allocated to Tanzanians and 505 (3 percent) to foreigners.

Hon. Mavunde assured that the trend of increasing Tanzanian employment in the mining sector would continue, facilitated by the enforcement of Mining Law Chapter 123 and the 2018 Local Content Regulations.

Additionally, the Ministry, through the Mining Commission, has consistently prioritized Tanzanian suppliers for goods and services in accordance with the Mining Law Chapter 123.

The forum continues at the AICC International Conference Hall, fostering dialogue and further strategies to enhance Tanzanian involvement in the mining sector.