Lack of accurate information on minerals, stemming from inadequate mineral research, has been identified as one of the key factors hindering the Mtwara Region's ability to attract mining investors.
Engineer Ephraim Mushi, the Resident Mines Officer of the Mtwara region, made this statement on October 5, 2023, while delivering remarks on the state of the mining sector in the Mtwara region during the Regional Consultative Committee (RCC) meeting.
Mushi emphasised that conducting research is essential to providing precise information on minerals, which, in turn, would be instrumental in attracting investors. The current situation, characterised by a lack of accurate data, has resulted in minimal investment in the Mtwara region's mineral resources.
Eng Mushi pointed out that every region in the country possesses its own mineral map that regional authorities use to engage investors.
"The major investor in this region is the Dangote Cement Factory. But Dangote investors had to conduct an extensive research study on their own, which found out that there was an ample supply of raw materials for cement production in this area," Mushi explained.
Colonel Ahmed Abbas, the Mtwara Regional Commissioner, pledged to write a letter to the Permanent Secretary requesting the Ministry of Minerals to conduct mineral research in the region.
Eng Mushi highlighted that minerals found in Mtwara encompass construction minerals, gold, copper, limestone, red soil, iron, salt, tin, marble, and heavy minerals. However, the most extensively extracted minerals are construction minerals (such as sands and pebbles), limestone, red soil, and salt, with small-scale miners primarily involved in these activities. Several large-scale mining projects focus on industrial minerals like limestone and red soil.
Gold sales reports indicated that in the 2022/2023 fiscal year, the region sold 13,362.15 grammes of gold valued at Sh1.6 billion, with government royalties amounting to Sh95.2 million.
Between October 2021 and September 2023, a total of 1,892,767 tonnes of coal worth $303.9 million were recorded, and permits were issued for export. The government collected revenue amounting to $3 million through inspection fees.
Additionally, Eng Mushi noted that 30 metric tonnes of goods valued at Sh8.5 million were transported to Zanzibar through the port of Mtwara, resulting in the collection of inspection fees amounting to Sh85,000.
