MWE Correspondent
Tanzania’s mining sector is on the brink of a major economic milestone, with newly released data showing the total value of minerals produced in the country climbing to nearly $1 billion in the third quarter of 2025.
The sharp rise underscores the industry’s expanding role in national growth, driven largely by soaring global gold prices and strong performance from large-scale producers.
Government statistics indicate that the total value of minerals increased by 23 percent, moving from $806.2 million in March 2025 to $991.1 million by September 2025. Officials say the momentum marks one of the fastest quarterly jumps in recent years and signals renewed confidence in Tanzania’s mineral economy.
Gold and diamonds were the leading contributors to the surge, each registering some of their highest production levels in recent memory. Coal production, by contrast, recorded a slight slowdown, though analysts say the decline was not significant enough to offset the broader upswing.
Gold remains the backbone of Tanzania’s mineral portfolio, accounting for more than 80 percent of the country’s mineral export revenues. Production increased from 9,538.5 kilograms in the first quarter of 2025 to 10,573.7 kilograms by September, marking the strongest output within the reporting period. Correspondingly, the value of gold produced rose sharply from $692.4 million in March to $878.3 million in September.
This growth was buoyed by unprecedented global gold prices, which climbed from $2,709.69 per troy ounce in January to $3,667.68 per troy ounce by the end of September, as investors turned to gold as a safe-haven asset amid global financial uncertainty. The trend reflects broader international dynamics, with the surge aligning with increased demand highlighted in global markets tracked by the World Gold Council.
The Bank of Tanzania reported in its September 2025 Monthly Economic Review that gold exports rose by 35.8 percent, reaching $4.43 billion compared to $3.26 billion during the same period in 2024. The central bank credited the leap to both higher production volumes and elevated global prices. Analysts suggest that the shift may place Tanzania among the top emerging producers in Africa, adding weight to its long-term strategy for mineral-led industrial growth.
Diamonds also played a key role, with production volume and export earnings climbing steadily over the quarter. Tanzania’s diamond activities tie into a broader history of gemstone mining, positioning the country within the global conversation on mineral markets—an industry often referenced through historical centers such as Kimberley, known for shaping diamond trade patterns.
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Industry experts say the record-breaking numbers could mark the start of a new phase for Tanzania, particularly as the government continues to strengthen regulation, improve revenue oversight, and encourage value addition within the mining sector. Economic observers also note that rising mineral revenues could support broader national development programs, including infrastructure expansion and social investment.
However, some economists caution that sustained growth will depend on global market stability and the country’s ability to diversify beyond gold. Tanzania’s broader positioning within the East African resource landscape continues to evolve, aligning with regional frameworks discussed through institutions such as the African Union, which has emphasized responsible mineral governance.
With the final quarter of 2025 still unfolding, stakeholders are closely watching whether Tanzania will surpass the $1 billion production mark for the first time in a single reporting window. If the upward trend continues, the country could set a new benchmark for its mining industry—cementing its status as one of Africa’s most dynamic mineral economies.
