Tanzania begins environmental assessment ahead of uranium mining

Dodoma. The Tanzanian government has initiated an environmental assessment for the Mkuju River uranium mining project in Namtumbo District, marking a crucial step toward the long-anticipated commencement of operations.

The deputy minister for Minerals, Stephen Kiruswa, told Parliament on Friday, November 8, 2024, that the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) will ensure the Mkuju River uranium mining project in southern Tanzania complies with ecological and legal standards, paving the way for mining activities that could significantly boost the economy.

According to him, the assessment, which began on November 3, focuses on the Mikumi-Selous Game Reserve ecosystem.

Mr Kiruswa said the assessment reflects the government’s commitment to sustainable resource development.

“The government, through the ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and in compliance with environmental legislation, has directed that a Strategic Environmental Assessment be conducted on the Mikumi-Selous Game Reserve ecosystem.

The Mkuju River project is expected to proceed in alignment with the findings of this ecological SEA,” said Mr Kiruswa.

The deputy minister was responding to a question posed by Namtumbo MP Vita Kawawa (CCM), who asked the reasons preventing the commencement of the uranium project in the Mkuju area of Namtumbo, despite having already received mining and construction licenses.

The Mkuju River uranium project, managed by Mantra Tanzania Limited, initially received a Special Mining Licence (SML) in 2013.

However, development stalled shortly after due to a significant drop in global uranium prices.

“With uranium prices now stabilised, the company is ready to move forward,” Mr Kiruswa said.

“But first, we must ensure all environmental safeguards are in place,” he added.

The deputy minister explained that the government had appointed a contractor to carry out the SEA, which is expected to be completed in six months.

The assessment’s findings will determine the timing of the project’s next steps, but the government and Mantra Tanzania are optimistic about moving ahead soon.

“Once completed, this project will play a key role in our economy and provide benefits for the people of Namtumbo,” Mr Kiruswa emphasised the importance of the project.

Mr Kiruswa said the government was working on the request to consider pilot mining at the project but maintained that the broader project must wait for the environment assessment results, for which the contractor is already on site