DODOMA, Aug 6 – Tanzania’s mining sector grew strongly in 2025 as higher mineral prices and increased production boosted exports, government income and the industry’s contribution to the economy.
Mining made up 10.3% of the country’s GDP, up from 7.8% in 2024. Mineral exports also climbed 31% to $5.4 billion, accounting for 52% of Tanzania’s total export earnings. This made mining the country’s biggest source of foreign exchange, ahead of tourism.
Gold remained the country’s top mineral export. Higher global gold prices helped lift gold exports to $4.7 billion from $3.4 billion in 2024. Government earnings from mining taxes, royalties and other charges also rose to an estimated $530 million.
Tanzania is also working to grow its mining industry beyond gold. The government is encouraging investment in minerals used for batteries, electric vehicles and clean energy. The country has large deposits of graphite, rare earth elements, nickel and helium, and several mining projects are moving closer to production.
Anna Rabin, Managing Director of Above Ground Advisory, said Tanzania should keep developing more mineral resources instead of depending mainly on gold.
She said bringing in more mining projects and speeding up the licensing process would help the country benefit from rising global demand for critical minerals.
The government is also expanding its role in the sector through mining reforms introduced in 2017. The changes are meant to increase government revenue, support local businesses and workers, and ensure the country gains more from its natural resources.
Under the current rules, the government can own at least a 16% free carried interest in medium and large-scale mining projects. Foreign mining companies must also meet local ownership, employment and procurement requirements.
