STAMICO GRANTED MAJOR LICENSE FOR RARE EARTH MINERAL EXPLORATION AND MINING AT WIGU HILLS, MOROGORO.



▪️Directive from H.E. President Dr. Samia S. Hassan
▪️Objective: To boost STAMICO’s investment in strategic minerals
▪️Minister Mavunde hands over the license and orders immediate commencement of project development
▪️Project to spur economic growth in Morogoro

Morogoro

The Minister for Minerals, Hon. Anthony Mavunde, has officially handed over a Large-Scale Prospecting and Mining License for Rare and Critical Minerals, specifically Rare Earth Elements (REE), to the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO). This significant move aims to empower the corporation to engage in large-scale mining activities for the benefit of all Tanzanians.

The handover ceremony took place today, July 24, 2025, at Sesenga Primary School grounds in Sesenga Village, Mgazi Ward, Morogoro District. This follows the government’s decision to reclaim the license from Wigu Hill Mining Company Limited after the conclusion of an investment dispute at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).

Addressing hundreds of citizens during the event, Minister Mavunde emphasized that Rare Earth Elements are among the most strategic minerals globally due to their critical role in modern technology.

“These minerals are used in military equipment, smartphones, computers, electric vehicle batteries, medical devices, and various machines. This is a golden opportunity for Sesenga Village, Morogoro District, the Region, and the Nation at large to benefit from this vital resource,” Minister Mavunde stressed.

He further noted that the project will create numerous employment opportunities for local communities and stimulate socio-economic development through local content initiatives, giving priority to nearby residents to supply goods to the mine, as well as through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs.

Additionally, the Morogoro District Council will increase its revenue through service levies imposed on mining operations.

Minister Mavunde also directed STAMICO to immediately begin the process of developing the license to ensure that production of these minerals commences on time.

Morogoro District Commissioner, Mr. Mussa Kilakala, commended Minister Mavunde for his strong leadership in the mining sector and pledged continued oversight to safeguard national interests.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals, Eng. Yahya Samamba, lauded President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for creating a conducive and secure environment in mining areas, which now enables miners to benefit from the country’s mineral resources.

STAMICO’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Venance Mwasse, expressed gratitude to the government through the Ministry of Minerals for entrusting the corporation with this critical license. He assured the Minister that STAMICO is ready to commence operations promptly and execute the project efficiently, within the stipulated timeline, while maximizing benefits for both citizens and the nation.

“We fully acknowledge our great responsibility to the nation. STAMICO is committed to managing this project with the highest level of professionalism to deliver tangible outcomes and enhance the mining sector’s contribution to the National GDP,” said Dr. Mwasse.

The government’s decision to grant this license to STAMICO is part of its efforts to safeguard national interests in the mining sector by ensuring that resource-rich areas are actively developed and that these resources directly contribute to the well-being of citizens and the country’s economic growth.

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