Tanzania green lights strategic steps toward uranium mining

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Saturday, May 24, issued directives to the Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (Tanesco) and the Ministry of Energy to ensure that investors in the uranium project in Ruvuma Region commence operations, allowing the country to begin generating nuclear energy.

She revealed that approximately 58,500 tonnes of uranium resources remain untapped in the country and emphasized that further exploration by investors could uncover even more. As a result, she stressed the urgency of initiating the project so the country can start reaping its benefits.

“For many years, the country has been told that generating electricity using uranium is dangerous, yet developing countries are already using this source to power their grids. There is a need for this project to commence so that Tanzanians can benefit,” she said.

The uranium project, centred on the Mkuju River in Ruvuma Region, has long been anticipated. The region holds one of Tanzania's largest uranium reserves,  of ore at a uranium grade of 0.025 percent. However, commercial mining has yet to begin.

Currently, Tanzania produces 3,431 megawatts (MW) of electricity, with 58 percent generated from hydropower, 35 percent from natural gas, and 7 percent from other renewable sources. The goal is to increase production by 2,463 MW by 2030 from solar, gas, wind, geothermal, and other energy sources.

President Hassan made the remarks during the swearing-in ceremony of new leaders, including judges, directors, and deputy permanent secretaries. She noted that nuclear energy generation would ensure a sufficient power supply and could potentially position Tanzania to export electricity, similar to current plans to sell hydropower to Zambia.

She also called on those who had taken the oath of office to serve with integrity and drive national development.

One of Tanzania’s key uranium deposits is the Mkuju River Project, located in the Selous Game Reserve in southern Tanzania. Discovered by Mantra Resources in 2009, it was later acquired by Russia’s state-owned Rosatom through its subsidiary Uranium One.

Although the project received environmental clearance in 2012, progress has been delayed due to fluctuating uranium prices and environmental concerns over its location within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Other notable uranium prospects include the Manyoni and Bahi areas in central Tanzania, and Likuyu North near the Tunduru Basin in the Ruvuma Region—sites that President Hassan has now highlighted for renewed attention.

Tanzania’s uranium reserves are estimated at over 58,500 tonnes, placing the country among Africa's uranium-rich nations. However, no commercial production has commenced due to infrastructure limitations, environmental concerns, and volatile global market conditions.

Earlier this month, on May 8, Deputy Minister for Minerals Dr Steven Kiruswa told The Citizen that the government expects to decide by June whether to proceed with uranium mining at the Mkuju River site. The decision hinges on the findings of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) currently underway.

During the same swearing-in ceremony, President Hassan reminded officials of their responsibilities to deliver quality public services.

“To the new Deputy Permanent Secretary of Regional Administration and Local Government (Health), you have a major responsibility to ensure health services are available and well-managed in our hospitals,” she said.

She urged the Planning Commission to closely monitor the implementation of national projects to ensure their impact and alignment with Tanzania's Vision 2050.

President Hassan also directed the new Tanesco director general to fast-track transmission projects and address organizational challenges. “This organization is a matter of national security. I appointed you because of your loyalty and experience. Forget those with personal interests, just uphold the law and professional ethics."

On matters of ethics, she emphasized that public service standards have declined. “If you assess public servants today, only 30 percent of what we pledged is being implemented. While the routine of submitting ethics forms continues, its integrity is lacking."

She warned that unethical behavior, including leaking confidential documents, undermines governance. “Public service is the engine of the nation."