Mining Dealership Licences in Tanzania: Trade Classes, Not a Pit

As of September 2026, treat this page as the dealer class: buying and selling minerals under a Mining Commission dealer or dealership permission. It is not a PML, ML or SML and not a company certificate. Licence types sit on the mining licence types guide; this page is the trading right. Confirm live dealer classes and premises rules on the Commission portal before you buy or ship mineral.

1. Overview of Mining Dealership Licenses

A mining dealership license authorizes individuals or companies to buy, sell, or export minerals. These licenses ensure legal compliance, transparency, and regulatory oversight in the mineral trade.

Key Minerals Covered

• Precious metals: Gold, silver, and platinum.
• Gemstones: Tanzanite, rubies, sapphires, and diamonds.
• Industrial minerals: Copper, iron, and other non-precious metals.

2. Regulatory Framework

The Tanzanian mining sector operates under the Mining Act, 2010, and its subsequent amendments. The Ministry of Minerals and the Mining Commission are the main regulatory bodies overseeing the issuance of dealership licenses.

Role of the Mining Commission

• Licensing of mineral traders and dealers.
• Monitoring and auditing of licensed operations.
• Ensuring adherence to environmental and social regulations.

3. Types of Dealership Licenses

3.1 Dealer's License

• Purpose: Allows for the purchase and sale of minerals locally.
• Validity: 1 year, renewable annually.
• Target Investors: Individuals and companies involved in local mineral trading.

3.2 Broker’s License

• Purpose: Facilitates the buying of minerals from small-scale miners and selling to dealers.
• Validity: 1 year, renewable annually.
• Target Investors: Middlemen operating in local markets.

3.3 Export Permit

• Purpose: Authorizes the export of minerals to international markets.
• Validity: Valid for a specific consignment.
• Target Investors: Companies involved in mineral exportation.

4. License Application Process

The application process involves several steps to ensure compliance with Tanzanian laws:

4.1 Eligibility Requirements

• A registered business entity in Tanzania.
• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and valid Tax Clearance Certificate.
• Evidence of financial capacity to engage in mineral trading.

4.2 Application Procedure

1. Prepare Required Documents:
   • Business registration documents (e.g., Certificate of Incorporation).
   • Proof of premises for mineral trading.
   • Bank statements or financial guarantees.
2. Submit Application to the Mining Commission:
   • Complete the application form provided by the Mining Commission.
   • Attach supporting documents and pay the application fee.
3. Inspection of Premises:
   • The Mining Commission will inspect the declared premises to ensure suitability.
4. Approval and Issuance:
   • Upon approval, the license is issued, allowing legal trading of minerals.

4.3 Timeline

• Confirm the live Mining Commission queue. Fast Track seven working days does not apply to a dealer right.

5. Costs Associated with Mining Dealership Licenses

Fees for Dealing in Minerals

Confirm before you budget: these figures are reproduced from published material and go stale on notice. The Mining Commission publishes the version that will be applied to your file.

6. Benefits of Holding a Mining Dealership License

• Legal Security: Operate within the framework of Tanzanian laws.
• Market Access: Engage in both local and international mineral trade.
• Reputation: Gain credibility with buyers and suppliers as a licensed dealer.
• Tax Incentives: Enjoy tax deductions and exemptions available to licensed operators.

7. Challenges and Risk Mitigation

7.1 Challenges

• Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to strict regulations can be challenging for new entrants.
• Market Volatility: Prices of minerals are subject to international market fluctuations.
• Illegal Mining: Competition from unlicensed traders affects profitability.

7.2 Mitigation Strategies

• Partner with experienced local firms for operational support.
• Use forward contracts to hedge against price risks.
• Ensure strict compliance with government regulations to avoid penalties.

8. Investment Opportunities

8.1 Mineral Trading Hubs

• Establish dealerships in key mining regions such as Mwanza, Geita, and Shinyanga, which are rich in gold.
• Leverage proximity to mining sites for sourcing high-quality minerals.

8.2 Value Addition

• Invest in small-scale processing units for cutting and polishing gemstones.
• Explore smelting and refining for metals to increase export value.

8.3 Export Business

• Build international partnerships to access global markets for Tanzanian minerals.
• Focus on high-demand minerals like gold and Tanzanite.

9. Steps to Start Investing

1. Business Registration:
   • Register your business with the Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA).
2. License Application:
   • Submit your application to the Mining Commission.
3. Capital Mobilization:
   • Ensure adequate funding for operations, including license fees and working capital.
4. Compliance and Operations:
   • Set up premises, hire qualified staff, and implement operational standards.
5. Market Exploration:
   • Identify buyers and suppliers locally and internationally.

Contact for Licensing Assistance

For guidance on obtaining a mining dealership license in Tanzania, contact us:

• Phone: +255 747 912 965
• WhatsApp: +255 747 912 965
• Email: [email protected]
• Office Address: Sinza A, Sam Nujoma Road, First Floor, Mwenge Tower, Opposite Mlimani City Shopping Mall, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

To read the Tanzanian Mining Act 2010: https://www.madini.go.tz/media/THE-MlNING-MINERAL-TRADING-REGULATIONS-2010.pdf

Why Invest in Tanzania’s Mining Sector?

Tanzania’s mining industry, supported by favorable regulations and abundant resources, offers a secure and profitable environment for investors. With the right license, you can tap into the lucrative mineral trade while contributing to the country’s economic growth.

A dealer class is trade in named minerals

The Mining Commission issues dealer, broker and related trade classes under the Mining Act, Cap. 123. They grant no ground. Mixing a shop on Samora Avenue with a pit in Geita is how inspections start. Confirm tumemadini.go.tz. The how-to-apply keeper owns the application walkthrough. This page is the class distinction. No royalty freeze here. As at 11 September 2026, name the minerals the live certificate will list.

How to apply without treating the shop as a mine

The step-by-step dealer application sits on its own URL so this page can stay the class distinction. Form the company, take the Commission class for the mineral you will actually hold, then build TRA and bank packs. Courier “samples” are not export.