Value addition in minerals still faces hurdles.

 

Efforts to enhance value addition in Tanzania’s mineral sector continue to face major challenges, despite ongoing government support aimed at empowering local actors.

Speaking during the ongoing Extractive Industries Forum (Jukwaa la Uziduaji) in Dodoma, Mecktilder Mchomvu from the Tanzania Women in Mining and Mineral Industry (TWiMi) said the value addition segment remains misunderstood and underdeveloped.

“We need to speak the truth and accept the reality. In Tanzania, value addition in minerals remains a highly challenging task due to its practical complexity,” she said.

Mecktilder explained that although the government has created opportunities for local players, the sector is still hindered by a lack of technical skills, limited access to advanced equipment, weak branding capacity and difficulties in reaching premium markets.

She cited Tanzanite as an example, noting that although the gemstone is exclusively found in Tanzania, its market value varies significantly depending on the quality of value addition and how it is positioned for sale.

“Today, we might all access Tanzanite, but after value addition and marketing, the price differs greatly. This is because a few foreign players dominate the space thanks to their better investment, skills and tools,” she added.

She called for stronger support systems to enable artisanal and small-scale miners to upgrade their operations and fairly compete in the global value chain.

Her concerns were echoed by other participants, including small-scale miner Shida Zacharia from Ntabalale Gold Mining.

“Everything is possible, but the reality is that most small-scale miners in Tanzania are still unable to add value to their minerals at the required standards due to lack of capital, technical skills, and market connections,” Zacharia said.

The discussion was part of a session themed Artisanal and small-scale mining; unlocking opportunities through value addition held during the 2025 Extractive Industries Forum.