A new nickel and copper processing plant under construction in Bahi District, Dodoma, has reached 85% completion and is on track to begin operations in February 2026. The TZS 37 billion facility will process 300 tonnes of ore per day, providing a reliable market for small-scale miners and advancing Tanzania’s strategy to add value to its mineral resources domestically.

The Ministry of Minerals confirmed the progress following an inspection on 21 November 2025 by the Minister of Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, at the Mayamaya site. The plant is designed to process and smelt nickel and copper ore, aligning with the government’s plan to expand the country’s mineral beneficiation and ensure minerals are exported as finished products rather than raw materials.

Minister Mavunde urged small-scale miners to take advantage of the guaranteed market opportunities the plant will offer, emphasizing that the project reflects the government’s commitment to building a complete mineral value chain within Tanzania.

Bahi District Commissioner Joachimu Nyingo highlighted that investor confidence in the government’s mining policies has already led to the establishment of nine mineral value-addition plants in the Dodoma Region. He praised the ongoing expansion of the mineral processing industry as a major driver of local economic growth.

Project supervisor Hassan Ngaiza stated that the plant will create over 300 direct and indirect jobs, offer dependable markets for miners, and contribute to the production of refined mineral products. Meanwhile, Tobias Kente, Chairperson of the Tanzania Metal Miners Association, commended Zhong Zhou, the project developer, for keeping construction on schedule, noting that the facility will secure a sustainable market for small-scale metal miners.

This project is part of Tanzania’s broader industrialisation policy aimed at boosting domestic mineral processing and export value, particularly for strategic minerals like nickel and copper. Similar investments are ongoing in Dodoma, Mwanza, and Songwe, marking a significant step toward transforming Tanzania into a regional hub for mineral beneficiation.