Tanzania is on the verge of a nuclear energy revolution, thanks to a $1 billion push to transform its vast uranium reserves into a strategic economic asset. The Mkuju River uranium project in Namtumbo District, Ruvuma Region, is at the heart of this ambition. Developed by Mantra Tanzania Limited, a subsidiary of Russia's Uranium One Group under Rosatom, the project is emerging from over a decade of dormancy.
The project remained largely dormant after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster triggered a collapse in global uranium prices. However, rising global demand for nuclear energy as governments pursue low-carbon solutions has reignited interest. The deposit is estimated to contain about 139 million tonnes of uranium ore, with projected production of approximately 3,000 tonnes annually at full capacity.
President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan commissioned a pilot uranium processing plant at the Mkuju River site on July 30, last year, describing it as a historic day for Tanzania. The project is viewed by the company and its shareholders as a long-term strategic investment for Tanzania. Sustainability Manager Majani Moremi confirmed that financing was being structured in phases.
Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr Steven Kiruswa, reassured investors that the project is strategic for the nation and that Tanzanians are expecting to benefit from the economic opportunities that will come with its implementation. President Dr Samia made Tanzania's nuclear ambitions clear to the global business community, listing nuclear energy among the country's top five investment priorities.
The project promises substantial employment opportunities for Tanzanian citizens, with government estimates indicating over 4,000 direct jobs could be created during operations, while over 100,000 indirect jobs may emerge through construction, transport, and logistics. Mantra Tanzania estimates that at least 21,000 households in Namtumbo and neighboring communities stand to benefit.
Beyond mining exports, Tanzania is positioning itself for nuclear-generated electricity. Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission Director General, Prof Najat Kassim Mohammed, confirmed that the country is preparing for nuclear energy in accordance with the International Atomic Energy Agency roadmap. The entire process is being carried out in accordance with international nuclear safety standards.
President Dr Samia declared that Tanzania is entering the global map as one of the top ten uranium-producing countries in the world. The uranium project represents more than mineral extraction, it is a statement of ambition, a catalyst for jobs, and a bridge to a future powered by clean, sustainable energy.
Key points
- The Mkuju River uranium project is valued at approximately $1 billion and is expected to create over 4,000 direct jobs and 100,000 indirect jobs.
- Tanzania is positioning itself for nuclear-generated electricity and is preparing for nuclear energy in accordance with the International Atomic Energy Agency roadmap.
- The project is expected to contribute about 4% of global uranium supply and position Tanzania as the third-largest producer in Africa after Niger and Namibia.
