DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA’S mineral markets have transformed the mining sector, with transactions now reaching unprecedented levels.
A statement issued by the Minerals Ministry today, March 13, 2026, in Dar es Salaam noted that in 2023 and 2024, minerals worth 2.095tri/- and 1.926tri/- respectively, were traded through official markets, marking a dramatic leap from just 8bn/- in 2018/19, when many trades went unrecorded.
Additionally, the ministry stated that the growth follows sweeping reforms in the country’s mining sector, particularly after the 2017 Mining Act amendments, which paved the way for official mineral markets.
“Today, Tanzania boasts 44 mineral markets and 120 mineral buying centers nationwide, providing secure and regulated spaces for miners and traders,” part of the ministry’s statement read.
Moreover, the ministry said that the markets ensure transparent pricing, accurate measurements, and verification of mineral quality, shielding stakeholders from fraud and curbing smuggling.
The ministry said that the reforms have also enabled the government to collect significant revenues that were previously lost to informal trade.
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Furthermore, the ministry said that artisanal and small-scale miners have benefited the most, with participation in the mining economy rising sharply.
Elaborating, the ministry said in the mining-rich Chunya region, gold production has risen dramatically from 5 kilograms per month before the establishment of the markets to about 300 kilograms per month today.
Also, the success of Tanzania’s mineral market model has drawn attention from across the continent with delegations from Zambia, Malawi, Burundi, Uganda, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burkina Faso have visited the country to study and learn from its approach to transparent mineral trading.
“Beyond mining itself, the markets are generating employment in areas such as trading, registration, logistics, and support services along the mineral value chain, providing opportunities for young people and contributing to local economic growth,” the ministry said.
Moreover, through taxes and fees collected from the mineral trade, revenues are being reinvested into public services and development projects, reinforcing mining’s role as a key pillar of Tanzania’s economy.
“The reforms show that minerals are not only a source of revenue but a powerful driver of opportunity, employment, and national development,” the ministry said.
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