Tanzania is moving to strengthen its mining sector by establishing a new mineral processing centre in Shinyanga, aimed at increasing value addition and expanding local participation in the industry.
The facility, to be located in Mwakitolyo, is designed to help miners process minerals locally instead of exporting raw materials. This shift is part of a broader government strategy to retain more value within the country and unlock the full economic potential of its mineral resources.
Officials say the centre will also serve as a model hub for training, targeting youth and women to build technical skills across the mining value chain—from exploration to processing. This is expected to improve productivity and create more inclusive opportunities in the sector.
Shinyanga has been identified as a strategic location due to its rich deposits of gold and diamonds, as well as its large population of artisanal and small-scale miners. The new facility will support these miners by giving them access to modern processing capabilities.
The initiative aligns with Tanzania’s wider policy shift away from exporting raw minerals toward developing local processing industries, increasing jobs, and boosting national revenues from the mining sector.