Tanzania deputy minister clarifies mine royalty collection
Mine licence holders cannot collect statutory charges from small-scale miners, says Deputy Minister Steven Kiruswa.
Deputy Minister for Minerals, Steven Kiruswa, stated in the National Assembly that mine and pit owners lack the authority to impose or collect royalties from small-scale miners.
Kiruswa explained that royalties, ranging from one to seven per cent based on mineral type, are collected through official government systems, including a 0.3 per cent local government levy. This clarification followed concerns raised by Kahama Urban MP Benjamin Ngaywa about licence holders demanding royalties from small-scale miners.
The government has cancelled licences of holders who failed to develop their areas and is conducting surveys, including aerial surveys in Lake Zone and Masutu areas, to identify new mineral deposits for small-scale miners. The Geological Survey of Tanzania aims to increase identified mineral potential from 16 per cent to 50 per cent by 2030.