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The role of the Government

The Governments role in the mineral sector is to provide clear policy guidelines, stimulate and promote the sectors various stakeholders and see to the sectors general development. The direct involvement in mineral exploration and exploitation has been ceased; the Government now plays the role of a regulator promoter, facilitator and service provider. On rare cases the Government may opt to require limited participation in certain project for strategic or promotional purposes. The functions of the Government will focus on the following:

Government as a regular in:

  • Pursuing sound economic and fiscal policies that are conducive to private sector investment in mining;
  • Administering the mining laws and attendant regulations;

Issuing and administering all types of mineral right and mineral trading licenses;

  • Establishing environmental, health and safety guidelines and ensuring compliance; and
  • Collecting taxes, duties, royalties, fees and rental payments arising from mining development.

Government as promoter and facilitator in:

  • Co-ordination and establishing consultation mechanisms within the government, the private sectors and other agencies for smooth development of the mineral sector;
  • Carrying out basic geological mapping the country and maintaining up-to-date potential for promotional and development purposes;
  • Promoting the development of Tanzania's mineral potential by preparing and disseminating promotional material;
  • Providing guidance to investors and facilitating contact and communication with relevant institutions; and
  • Facilitating and promoting linkages among universities, government, research institutions and industry for the productive utilization of their inter-dependencies for mineral sector development.
  • Government as a service provider in:
  • Providing or encouraging others to provide technical advice and services relating to the mineral sector to the general public, Government Departments and parastatals;
  • Establish, supporting and co-ordinating technical assistance programmes to the artisanal and small-scale mining sub-sector; and
  • Ensuring adequate operational budget for the successful implementation of extension programmes.

Legislative Framework

Administration of the Mining Act 1998

The Mineral Division administers the Mineral sector. The Mining Act No.5 of 1998 sets out the legal framework governing mineral exploration, exploitation and marketing. Various mining regulations have been established under the mining Act, 1998 to regulate mining activities. The mining regulations and rules are:

  • The Mining (Mineral Rights) Regulations 1999;
  • The Mining (Mineral Trading) Regulations 1999;
  • The Mining (Safe-working and Occupational Health) Regulations 1999;
  • The Mining (Environmental Management and Protection) Regulations 1999;
  • The Mining (Salt and Laudation) Regulations 1999;
  • The Mining (Provisional Licensees) Regulations 1999;
  • The Mining (Mirereni Controlled Area) Regulations 2001
  • The Mining (Diamond Trading) Regulations 2002;
  • The Mining (Gemstone Board) Regulations 2004; and
  • The Mining (Dispute Settlement Resolution) Rules 1999.