MWE Correspondent
Tanzania has intensified its fight against illegal mineral trade after authorities seized minerals worth nearly Sh4.9 billion in a series of anti-smuggling operations carried out across the country over the past year, underscoring the government’s determination to protect national mineral resources and increase revenue collection.
The latest figures were announced by Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr Steven Kiruswa, during a visit to Kagera Region on Monday, July 13, 2026, where he outlined the government’s position following recent operations targeting the illegal transportation of gold and gemstones.
According to Dr Kiruswa, minerals valued at Sh3.3 billion were intercepted in 55 separate smuggling incidents recorded nationwide between July 2025 and March 2026, while additional minerals worth Sh1.6 billion were confiscated in Kagera Region alone between June and July 2026.
The Deputy Minister said Kagera has become one of the areas attracting increased government attention because of its proximity to international borders, making it vulnerable to cross-border mineral trafficking.
Among the major operations was one conducted on June 29, 2026, in Benako, Ngara District, where police officers intercepted 20 sacks of gemstones weighing 627.2 kilograms.
The gemstones were valued at Sh10.9 million, with unpaid government taxes estimated at Sh1 million.
Authorities said investigations into the origin and intended destination of the minerals are continuing.
Dr Kiruswa said the government has significantly strengthened surveillance systems across mining areas, border crossings and mineral trading centres in an effort to curb illegal trade.
Also Read, Trump-Iran Crisis Deepens After Assassination Warning
He said cooperation between the Ministry of Minerals, security agencies, regional authorities and the Tanzania Mining Commission has contributed to the growing number of successful operations against mineral smuggling networks.
“We will continue taking firm action against anyone involved in smuggling the country’s mineral resources. These minerals belong to Tanzanians and must contribute to national development through lawful trade and tax compliance,” he said.
Mining remains one of Tanzania’s fastest-growing economic sectors and contributes significantly to export earnings, government revenue and employment.
Gold continues to dominate the country’s mineral exports, while Tanzania is also internationally recognised for producing tanzanite, gemstones, diamonds, coal, graphite, nickel and rare earth minerals.
The government has invested heavily in reforms aimed at increasing local mineral processing, improving transparency and ensuring the country benefits more from its natural resources.
Experts say mineral smuggling deprives the government of billions of shillings in taxes, royalties and export earnings every year.
Illegal trade also distorts official production statistics, discourages legitimate investors and weakens efforts to formalise the mining sector.
Authorities believe organised criminal networks often exploit porous borders to move minerals into neighbouring countries before they are exported to international markets.t
The Ministry of Minerals has continued introducing digital monitoring systems, mineral traceability mechanisms and stricter licensing procedures to reduce illegal trade.
Officials say the use of electronic mineral trading systems, improved inspections and stronger border controls has enhanced the government’s ability to detect suspicious shipments.
Security agencies have also intensified intelligence-sharing with neighbouring countries to disrupt cross-border smuggling syndicates.
Dr Kiruswa warned individuals involved in illegal mining and mineral trafficking that the government would continue strengthening enforcement operations across the country.
He urged miners and traders to use official mineral markets and comply with tax and licensing requirements, saying legal trade remains the only sustainable way to ensure the mining sector continues contributing to Tanzania’s economic growth.
The latest seizures demonstrate the government’s commitment to protecting one of the country’s most valuable economic sectors while ensuring that Tanzania’s mineral wealth benefits citizens through lawful trade, investment and public revenue.
