In a bid to add value and get higher proceeds f rom its mineral exports, Tanzania intends to outlaw exportation of ores and unprocessed gemstones, Energy and Minerals Minister William Ngeleja has announced.
The government was undertaking major law reforms to enable the country to benefi t more from its minerals sector, the minister told a meeting of a parliamentary committee on minerals and energy with stakeholders in the industry .
Once a draft bill to amend the country’s 1998 Mining Act is passed by parliament , Ngeleja said that investors in the sector would be required to ensure the local value addition of the minerals and gems.
“We want to synchronise between mining and other productive sectors in order to beef up its impact on the economy,” he said, explaining that the planned legal reform would take into account land related legislation and compensation o f people who have to vacate areas earmarked for mining development.
Mining has over the past decade become a vibrant sector of the Tanzanian economy and currently accounts for 52 per cent of total exports.
The bill, due to be tabled in parliament in April this year, is seen as a measur e to address loopholes in the mining sector and guarantee more benefits to the local population, as recommended by a presidential committee that studied the fl edgling industry in 2007.
There have been a lot of public complaints about foreign mining firms that inces santly scoop ores and sand, especially from diamond and goldfields and freight the material by air for analysis abroad. Flights take off unchecked from airfields near the mines.
Participants at the meeting are comparing notes with mining experts from some co untries that have greater experience in minerals development.
