President of Tanzania John Magufuli through the Ministry of Energy and Minerals has banned the export of unprocessed metalic mineral concentrates and ores such as gold, copper, nickel and silver.
The Ministry on Friday announced an immediate ban (from March 2) saying the move was meant to ensure mineral value-addition activities are carried out within the country.
The ministry added “Mineral value addition activities will provide employment opportunities, revenues and technology transfer, hence more benefits to the nation.”
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“All companies and individuals who were exporting concentrates and mineral ores to foreign countries for beneficiation, including processing, smelting or refining, will immediately stop, and start doing such activities within the country,” the Ministry noted.
It added that the government of Tanzania would provide any necessary support to stakeholders involved in mineral beneficiation activities within the country, particularly the smelting and refining of minerals.
Major companies which are affected by the ban include AngloGold Ashanti; Africa’s largest gold miner and Acacia mining which will be significantly impacted considering that nearly 30 per cent of its revenue come from Tanzania.
