Uranium mining set to commence in Tanzania

The directive, issued on May 24, is part of Tanzania’s broader strategy to diversify its energy sources, including the development of nuclear power.

The Mkuju River project, operated by Mantra Tanzania, is home to one of the country’s largest known uranium reserves—estimated at 182.1 million tonnes of ore with a uranium grade of 0.025 percent.

Despite receiving environmental approval in 2012, the project faced prolonged delays due to unstable uranium prices, infrastructure challenges and environmental sensitivities, particularly because the site lies within the boundaries of Mwalimu Nyerere National Park, formerly part of the Selous Game Reserve.

Announcing the project’s progress during a recent swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed officials, including judges and deputy permanent secretaries, President Hassan underscored the importance of nuclear energy for Tanzania’s long-term energy security.

She noted that nuclear power would not only support domestic electricity needs but also enable Tanzania to export power to neighbouring countries such as Zambia.

Tanzania currently produces 3,431 megawatts (MW) of electricity, 58 percent of which comes from hydropower, 35 percent from natural gas and the remaining 7 percent from other renewable sources.

The government’s target is to increase electricity generation capacity by 2,463 MW by 2030 through investment in solar, wind, geothermal, gas and nuclear energy.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals, Mr Yahya Samamba, confirmed to The Citizen yesterday that the SEA process had been finalised and Mantra Tanzania was now authorised to proceed with early-stage project activities.

“There are key issues that need to be considered to safeguard the environment, biodiversity and public health,” he said. “The necessary technical guidelines will be issued to ensure compliance throughout the project lifecycle.”

According to Mr Samamba, the assessment was a critical prerequisite due to the project’s proximity to ecologically sensitive areas and forms part of Tanzania’s commitment to balancing industrial development with environmental stewardship.

Mantra Tanzania sustainability manager Majani Wambura also confirmed that the company had received the official go-ahead to begin constructing pilot plants.

“Construction is currently underway and we plan to launch the pilot plants by the end of July. Simultaneously, work on the main plant will commence, with completion expected within two to three years,” he said.

The pilot plant is designed to produce an initial three tonnes of uranium annually. “Once production scales up, we expect to create over 2,000 jobs,” Mr Wambura added.

He said the pilot facility would also serve as a demonstration centre to educate the public on uranium processing and environmental safeguards.

Back in May, Mr Wambura had told The Citizen that the SEA was being conducted by an independent consultancy, Triple E, appointed by the government to ensure neutrality.

The preliminary findings were submitted to the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment) for technical review.

“The process has been independent and transparent. Upon approval, the SEA was forwarded to the Ministry of Minerals to determine the next steps,” he had said.

Minerals deputy minister Steven Kiruswa had also noted that a final decision on the project was pending the SEA outcome.

Speaking on 7 May, he said the study, which began in February, could take up to six months depending on environmental and logistical considerations.

“The assessment is critical because the site lies in a protected area. We must ensure development is aligned with conservation principles,” Dr Kiruswa said.

Discovered in 2009 by Mantra Resources and later acquired by Russian state-owned Rosatom through its subsidiary Uranium One, the Mkuju River project has faced a number of setbacks over the years.

However, with the SEA now concluded and global uranium demand on the rise, the government is prioritising project execution.