Government to Issue new Guidelines for Minerals Processing and Exportation.

Tanzania government is preparing the guidelines which will categorize types of minerals which should be domestically processed before exportation.

This follows the request made by Tanzania Minerals Dealers Association (TAMIDA) and Federation of Miners Association of Tanzania (FEMITA) of adjusting the export and mineral value addition regulations.

The regulation requires all minerals to be processed in the country before exportation.
“We have received the request and government soon will release the guidelines as we are on final stages of preparations. The laws can be adjusted and changed when there are genuine shortcomings. The government does not want laws to be obstacle in Tanzania mining business,” The deputy minister for Mineral, Dotto Biteko said on last week.

The TAMIDA chairperson Mr. Sammy Mollel told the minister that there is confusion on what kind of minerals should be processed for exportation.

“We believe that the law and regulation is for metal and industrial minerals and not gemstones. When gemstone is cut, its value depreciates. We request the government to consider this,’’ Mr.Mollel said.

Also, Mr.Biteko told the miners that the government does not hate them and request the cooperation in order to smooth mining business operation in the country.
He said the government is not happy with all who smuggle minerals, something which deny the government its revenue.

Last year, the government made changes on its mining law.The new law require all miners to process and add value all minerals before exporting them.