The Ministry of Minerals in Tanzania has reported a significant increase in revenue collection, exceeding its target by 17 per cent in the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year. The ministry collected 411bn/-, representing 117 per cent of the 351bn/- target set for the July-September 2026 period. This achievement signals strong revenue performance and continued improvements in the management of the mining sector. The mining sector has been a crucial contributor to Tanzania's economic growth.
The achievement has largely been attributed to the contribution of small-scale miners, who have become important players in government revenue collection through payment of taxes and other statutory charges. The trend raises optimism that the Ministry could surpass its annual revenue collection target of 1.4tri/-. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed government leaders to strengthen the management of key economic sectors and increase their contribution to national development. Her remarks encouraged the ministry's leadership and its entire team to strengthen their efforts towards achieving government targets.
To strengthen the management and trade of Tanzanite, the Ministry of Minerals has introduced various strategies aimed at improving mining operations, promoting the use of modern mineral identification technologies, and creating a favourable business environment. Between July and September this year, Tanzanite weighing 274,632.32 grammes, valued at 3.23bn/-, generated revenue for the government after being sold by miners. The completion of the Mirerani security wall in April 2018 and the establishment of the mineral market in 2021 have strengthened the supervision and trading of Tanzanite.
The Mirerani Zone Resident Mines Officer, George Kaseza, attributed the achievement to effective supervision by the Ministry of Minerals and cooperation from mine owners in reporting Tanzanite production within the Mirerani security wall. He said production of Tanzanite Beads stood at 8,622,049.36 grammes, valued at 95.83m/-, while Tanzanite Clive weighed 20,562.35 grammes and was valued at 16.73m/-. The area is equipped with 310 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and 573 security lights, which has improved monitoring and security.
In 2026, the government also ordered 12 safety helmets fitted with cameras for officers supervising underground mining activities. Regarding Tanzanite trade during the 2025/26 financial year, an auction for small-scale traders held on May 15 this year enabled the sale of 2,809.31 grammes of the gemstone, valued at 271.270bn/-. Another auction for large-scale traders, held on May 21 this year, facilitated the sale of 10,174.92 grammes valued at 721.750bn/-.
The government has constructed a mineral trading centre known as Tanzanite City Centre in Mirerani at a cost of 5.4bn/-. The modern five-storey building was constructed to bring mineral buying and selling services closer to mining sites and facilitate national and international auctions. The initiative aims to enable Tanzanite traders and small-scale miners to benefit more from the country's precious gemstone. Miners and traders have become increasingly committed to cooperating with the government, including paying the required taxes whenever they conduct business.
The mining sector's achievements have also been supported by the performance of institutions operating under the Ministry of Minerals. These include the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST), State Mining Corporation (STAMICO), Mining Commission, Tanzania Extractive Industries Transparency and Accountability Committee (TEITI), and Tanzania Gemological Centre (TGC), based in Arusha. The mining sector has continued to create employment opportunities for Tanzanians, with direct jobs currently exceeding 19,356, of which 97 per cent are held by Tanzanians.
Key points
- The Ministry of Minerals collected 411bn/- in the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, exceeding its revenue target by 17 per cent.
- The government has introduced strategies to improve mining operations, promote modern mineral identification technologies, and create a favourable business environment.
- The mining sector has created employment opportunities for Tanzanians, with direct jobs currently exceeding 19,356.
