Tanzania Revokes 40 Mining Licenses to Empower Local Investors

Tanzania has revoked 40 mineral exploration licences covering more than 188,000 hectares as part of a broader effort to tighten control over its mining sector and unlock idle resources for productive use. The move, announced by the Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, on April 15, 2026, targets companies accused of holding assets without developing them, a practice described as licence hoarding that has stalled investment and contributed to illegal mining activities.

The minister said the decision followed a detailed review that found widespread non-compliance among licence holders, many of whom had failed to invest or develop their concessions despite being issued with default notices. The revoked licences cover an estimated 900 square kilometres of land, which will now be returned to the State and prepared for reallocation to small-scale miners, credible investors and special groups including women, youth and people with disabilities under the government’s “Mining for a Brighter Tomorrow” initiative.

Authorities cited multiple violations, including failure to pay required fees, non-compliance with local content and corporate social responsibility obligations, and holding large tracts of land without undertaking exploration activities. The government argued that such behaviours undermine sector growth and deny the country and its citizens the full benefit of their natural resources, while also contributing to a surge in illegal mining as informal miners invade dormant concession areas.

Mr Mavunde emphasized that the action is about accountability, stating that strategic resources cannot remain idle while the economy needs investment and jobs. He warned that any additional licences found idle or in breach of regulations would face the same fate, signalling a tougher enforcement stance under the government’s ongoing mining reforms.

At the same time, the government has issued compliance notices to 43 other licence holders—40 in prospecting and three in medium-scale mining—giving them 30 days to correct identified violations or risk losing their licences. A ministry assessment found widespread breaches, including hoarding of exploration blocks without development, failure to pay statutory fees, and weak commitments to local content and community development.

The Ministry of Minerals directed the Tanzania Mining Commission to cancel the licences and intensify regular inspections nationwide immediately. The reclaimed areas will be reassigned through the “Mining for a Brighter Tomorrow” programme to promote more inclusive participation in the sector, particularly for historically underserved groups.

The revocations form part of broader efforts to enforce discipline in the mining sector and ensure that mineral resources contribute meaningfully to economic growth. Tanzania’s mining sector has been a leading recipient of foreign direct investment, but concerns over idle licences and regulatory gaps have prompted increased scrutiny and reform initiatives in recent months.