Rare Earth Mining Tanzania: Licences, the 16% State Stake, the Royalty Question, Value Addition and TAEC Rules for Thorium
What does an investor need for rare earth mining in Tanzania? A Tanzanian company holding a prospecting licence, then a mining or special mining licence, plus a framework agreement giving the Government at least 16% free carried shares. Ngualla is reported to pay 3% royalty, but the Act does not name rare earths, so confirm the class. A 1% inspection fee, a value-addition plan and, for thorium-bearing ore, TAEC licences apply.
Rare earth mining in Tanzania runs under the Mainland Mining Act, Cap. 123, a project framework agreement and, where ore carries thorium or uranium, the Atomic Energy Act. This guide covers each layer, the main projects and a costed export.
What the law says about rare earth mining in Tanzania
Tanzania has no rare earth statute. Seven instruments carry a project from exploration to the port.
- The Mining Act, Cap. 123. We read the Mining Act on TanzLII, revised to 30 November 2019. Section 2 limits it to Tanzania Mainland. It sets licences, state participation, royalty and the inspection fee.
- The mineral rights rules. The Mining (Mineral Rights) Regulations, 2018, GN 1 of 2018, set forms, area limits and licence fees.
- The radioactive minerals rules. The Mining (Radioactive Minerals) Regulations, 2018, GN 4 of 2018, apply once ore crosses a uranium or thorium threshold.
- The atomic energy law. The Atomic Energy Act, No. 7 of 2003, created the Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC) in section 5. Section 47 brings the mining and processing of natural radioactive sources under its control.
- The sovereignty statute. Section 9 of the Natural Wealth and Resources (Permanent Sovereignty) Act, 2017 bars resource agreements that let raw resources leave for beneficiation abroad.
- Value addition. The Mining (Value Addition) Regulations, 2020, GN 687 of 2020, govern what may be exported. Their text sits behind a TanzLII subscription, and we could not read it.
- State participation. The Mining (State Participation) Regulations, 2022, GN 574 of 2022, carry the template framework agreement each developer signs.
On numbering: we cite the 2019 sections we read. The fee register gives R.E. 2023 numbers for royalty (s.111, formerly 87) and the inspection fee (s.115, formerly 90A).
Who should read this
- Foreign explorers holding or buying rare earth prospecting licences in Songwe, Morogoro, Njombe or Mbeya.
- Developers moving from feasibility to a mining licence or special mining licence and negotiating a framework agreement.
- Offtakers and separators buying Tanzanian concentrate.
- Lenders and buyers pricing royalty, state stake and radiation duties.
For general licence rules, read our mining licence guide and prospecting licence guide. For a sister battery mineral, see our graphite mining guide, and for base metals our note on copper, nickel and battery metals.
How does the Mining Act classify rare earths?
The Act mentions rare earths once. Section 4 defines "Mineral Concentrate" in four groups. Paragraph (c) covers "minerals in the category rare earth elements", listed with transition elements such as ytterbium, beryllium, tantalum and lithium. Precious and base metals sit in a separate paragraph (a).
The definitions used for royalty are silent. Section 4 defines "metallic minerals" by a list: gold, silver, copper, iron, nickel, cobalt, tin, tungsten, zinc, chromium, manganese, titanium, aluminium, the platinum group and "other metallic minerals". Rare earths are not named.
| Mining Act term | What it lists | Does it name rare earths? | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral Concentrate, para (c) | Rare earth elements and transition elements | Yes | Confirms rare earth concentrate is a recognised product class |
| Metallic minerals | Named metals plus "other metallic minerals" | No | A 6% royalty applies if rare earths are read in as other metallic minerals |
| Energy minerals | Coal, peat, uranium, thorium, other radioactive minerals | No | Thorium in the ore brings radiation rules, not a rare earth royalty |
| Industrial minerals | Phosphate, kaolin, lime, gypsum and similar | No | Phosphate by-products may fall here |
| Other minerals | Residual royalty class | No | A 3% royalty applies if rare earths fall here |
The result is a classification question to settle in writing with the Mining Commission before building the financial model.
Which royalty rate applies to rare earth concentrate?
Section 87(1) of the 2019 text sets five rates: uranium 5%, gemstones and diamonds 6%, "metallic minerals such as copper, gold, silver and platinum group minerals" 6%, gems 1%, and other minerals, including industrial minerals, 3%. The Zatra fee register prints the same classes under section 111(1) of the R.E. 2023 text (F0624). Neither names rare earths.
The project record points to 3%. Peak Resources modelled a "Tanzanian Royalties" line of 3.0% for Ngualla in its ore reserve announcement of 11 April 2017, republished by MarketScreener. Ecofin Agency reported on 20 September 2025 that Tanzania keeps a 16% free carried interest and a 3% gross revenue royalty on Ngualla.
So the position is "verify". Budget at 3% if your project mirrors Ngualla, run a 6% sensitivity, and get the Commission's written position. Do not apply the 5% uranium rate to rare earths; it attaches to uranium itself.
| Charge | Rate or amount | When it falls | Register ID | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royalty | 3% (other minerals) or 6% (metallic minerals); class to confirm | On minerals produced and sold | F0624 | s.111(1) R.E. 2023; s.87(1), 2019 text |
| Inspection fee | 1% of gross value | Before clearance for export or domestic use | F0625 | s.115 R.E. 2023; s.90A, 2019 text |
| HIV Response Levy | 0.1% of gross value | With royalty, from 1 July 2025 | F0626 | s.113A |
| Export permit application | USD 100 per consignment | Before each export | F0628 | GN 2 of 2018 as amended by GN 235 of 2019 |
| Service levy | 0.25% of turnover | To the district council | F0630 | Local Government Finance Act, Cap. 290 |
| TASAC clearing, containerised | USD 300 per 20 ft; USD 350 per 40 ft | At the port, per bill of lading | F0390 | GN 181 of 2021; GN 184 of 2025 |
| Export tax and VAT | No export tax; exports zero-rated | On export | F0343, F0241 | Export Tax Act Cap. 196; VAT Act Cap. 148 |
A dealer exporting concentrate it bought pays a "payment in lieu of royalty" under section 88 at the same rate. Section 86 bars any dealer or broker licence in uranium minerals. Our mineral royalty and inspection fee guide covers valuation and the ministerial review of double charging ordered on 4 October 2026.
Which licence does a rare earth project need?
Licence choice turns on scale and on who owns the company. Fees are from the Zatra fee register at 26 September 2026 and are paid to the Mining Commission against a GePG control number.
| Licence | Fit for rare earths | Who may hold it | Main government fees | Register ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prospecting licence (PL) | Mapping, drilling, metallurgical testwork and feasibility | Companies, including foreign-owned Tanzanian companies | Application USD 300 (metallic, energy and kimberlitic classes); preparation USD 300; rent from USD 100 a km2; expenditure from USD 500 a km2 | F0615, F0616, F0618 |
| Primary mining licence (PML) | Small surface workings; rarely suits rare earths, which need a concentrator | Citizens and wholly citizen-controlled bodies only, s.8(2) | Application TZS 50,000; not available to foreigners | F0619 |
| Mining licence (ML) | Medium-scale mine and concentrator | Tanzanian-incorporated company | Application USD 2,000; preparation USD 1,000; rent USD 3,000 or USD 2,000 a km2 by mineral class | F0621 |
| Special mining licence (SML) | Large-scale projects such as Ngualla | Same, with Cabinet approval | Application USD 5,000; preparation USD 2,000; rent USD 5,000 a km2 | F0621 |
| Processing licence | Cracking, leaching or separation plants | Licensed separately from the mine | Application TZS 150,000 (USD 200); annual fee half the issue fee | F0631 |
ML rent is USD 3,000 a km2 for metallic and energy minerals and USD 2,000 for industrial minerals, so confirm the class here too. Applications run on the Online Mining Cadastre Transactional Portal, and the Mining Commission grants and polices the rights. Our primary mining licence guide explains the citizen-only route.
What stake does the Government take in a rare earth project?
Section 10(1) gives the Government "not less than sixteen percent non-dilutable free carried interest shares" in a company holding a mining licence or special mining licence. Section 10(2) lets it acquire up to 50% in total, commensurate with tax expenditures granted to the company.
Clyde & Co wrote on 19 November 2024 that the template framework agreement sits in GN 574 of 2022 and that the licence is withheld until the agreement is signed. It said some projects have gone to 20%.
Ngualla follows the floor. TanzaniaInvest reported that Peak Rare Earths and the Government signed the Ngualla framework agreement on 17 April 2023. Two companies were set up, each 84% Peak and 16% Government through the Treasury Registrar:
- Mamba Minerals Corporation Limited to own and operate the mine.
- Mamba Refinery Corporation Limited to own any future Tanzanian refining and downstream operations.
That design ring-fences the downstream commitment and puts the state's 16% into the refinery as well as the mine. Our local content and ownership checks cover the other ownership tests.
Which rare earth projects are moving in Tanzania?
Status below is as reported by the sources linked; confirm each before relying on it.
| Project | Holder | Area | Reported status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ngualla | Mamba Minerals Corporation: 84% Peak Rare Earths, now owned by Shenghe Resources; 16% Government | Ngwala village, Songwe Region | SML granted April 2023; environmental certificate March 2017; construction awaiting an export approval from Chinese authorities, September 2026 |
| Wigu Hill | STAMICO, the state mining corporation | Morogoro Region | Large-scale licence handed over on 24 July 2025 after the Montero dispute settled |
| Mkiu, Ludewa | Hongji Mining Co. Ltd, in cooperation with the Government | Njombe Region | Neodymium and praseodymium found; detailed work over 280 km2 reported in May 2026 |
Ngualla. NS Energy reported on 23 July 2021 that Cabinet had approved the SML over about 18.14 km2. The Business Wiz reported on 27 April 2023 that the SML was granted to Mamba Minerals. The framework agreement set its term at the shorter of 33 years or the life of the mine. Peak's 2017 plan was about 28,300 tonnes a year of 45% rare earth oxide concentrate.
The BizLens reported on 8 May 2025 that the Minister, Anthony Mavunde, reminded holders that medium and large-scale licences must start mining within 18 months. Ecofin reported that Shenghe bought the 80.3% of Peak it did not own, for A$195 million, with court approval on 19 September 2025. BigGo Finance reported on 22 September 2026 that Shenghe still awaits an export approval from Chinese authorities and targets completing construction in 2027.
Wigu Hill. The Chanzo reported on 25 July 2025 that STAMICO received a large-scale exploration and mining licence on 24 July 2025. The earlier holder's licence was revoked, and Montero Mining settled its ICSID claim for US$27 million. The Citizen reported on 23 November 2024 that the settlement saved the Government US$43 million. TanzaniaInvest places the deposit in Kilosa District. Any private role there runs through STAMICO; see our STAMICO joint venture guide.
Njombe. Voice of Nigeria reported on 21 May 2026 that Hongji Mining had finished a first exploration phase near Mkiu village. No licence number was reported.
Can rare earth concentrate be exported from Tanzania?
Yes, on the present record, with conditions and a downstream plan.
- The sovereignty rule. Section 9 of the Permanent Sovereignty Act bars agreements that allow raw resources to be exported for beneficiation abroad. The Mining Act defines raw minerals as those "not yet processed, beneficiated or value added".
- Concentrate is a product. The Act's definition of "Mineral Concentrate" names rare earth elements.
- The licensing condition. The Guardian reported on 1 May 2024 that the Minister told Parliament no mining licence or special mining licence would issue without a strategic plan for adding value.
- The framework agreement. Clyde & Co wrote in November 2024 that a beneficiation facility suited to the mineral is generally mandatory, with a negotiated timetable.
- The 2026 policy line. The Respondents reported on 23 September 2026 that the Minister urged African states not to relax local processing conditions for strategic minerals. The Guardian reported on 21 October 2026 that he credited limits on raw mineral exports with driving domestic processing.
We found no adopted critical minerals strategy or regulation naming rare earths by 27 October 2026. TanzaniaInvest reported on 4 August 2025 that a July 2025 report prepared with the Government lists neodymium-praseodymium metal among 14 value-addition opportunities. That is direction, not law.
Every shipment needs its own Mining Commission export permit after weighing, valuation, payment and sealing. Concentrates fall under TASAC's exclusive clearance under GN 184 of 2025. Our mineral export permit guide sets out the sequence. A separation or cracking plant needs its own processing licence; see our mineral processing licence guide.
When does TAEC licensing apply to rare earths?
Many rare earth ores carry thorium and some uranium; monazite is the classic case. Two regimes then run in parallel: the Mining Act's radioactive minerals rules and the atomic energy regime of the Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission.
The trigger under the mining rules is a number. Regulation 3 of GN 4 of 2018 defines a radioactive mineral as one containing by weight at least one-twentieth of one per cent of uranium or thorium, or both. That is 500 parts per million. It expressly includes "monazite sand and other ores containing thorium".
| Instrument | What it requires | Who acts |
|---|---|---|
| GN 4 of 2018, regs 7 and 9 | Radiation protection plan, radioactive waste plan, and a plan to transport and store ores and products | Mineral right holder; copies to TAEC |
| GN 4 of 2018, reg. 6 | Permit to acquire, store, transport, import or export radioactive minerals | Mining Act licensing authority |
| GN 4 of 2018, reg. 18(2)(a) | Approval of source and end-user documents for sales | TAEC |
| GN 369 of 2011, regs 6, 8, 9, 10 and 15 | Licences for prospecting, mine and plant construction, operation, and decommissioning | TAEC |
| GN 369 of 2011, regs 16 and 29 | Decommissioning funds; authorisation for each export of radioactive ore | TAEC |
| Atomic Energy Act, s.17 | Licence to import, export or transport radiation sources | TAEC |
The TAEC regulations are the Atomic Energy (Radiation Safety in the Mining and Processing of Radioactive Ores) Regulations, 2011, GN 369 of 2011. TAEC charges its own fees under the Atomic Energy (Fees and Charges) Regulations, 2022, GN 478J. Those lines are not in the Zatra fee register yet, so we do not print them; TAEC assesses them on filing.
Ngualla shows why assays matter. Peak's 2017 announcement put average uranium at 14 ppm and thorium at 55 ppm in the ore body, well under the threshold. Concentration raises those levels in the product, so test the concentrate, tailings and any monazite stream, not the ore alone. Breach of GN 4 of 2018 carries a fine of TZS 10 million to TZS 100 million, up to five years' imprisonment, or both (reg. 23). Our TAEC radiation source guide covers the separate licences for XRF analysers and density gauges on site.
What do local content, CSR and the EIA add?
- Local content. The Mining (Local Content) Regulations require local content, procurement and training plans with the application and regular reporting. See our local content checks.
- Corporate social responsibility. An annual CSR plan is agreed with the district council and reported to the Commission. See our mining CSR guide.
- Environmental certificate. A mine is a Type A extractive project. The National Environment Management Council reviews the EIA, with a fee from TZS 5 million to TZS 100 million by project cost (F0498). The certificate itself is commonly issued by the Minister responsible for environment on NEMC's recommendation; see who issues the EIA certificate.
Radioactivity raises the NEMC bill. The register prints annual fees for radioactive exploration of TZS 50 million, mining of TZS 100 million and processing of TZS 150 million (F0508); whether a project falls there depends on assays and NEMC's view. Large mines also pay the OSHA inspection fee, TZS 1,440,000 a year in the large mining band (F0442).
Does the Mining Act apply to rare earths in Zanzibar?
No. Section 2 limits the Mining Act to Tanzania Mainland, and every Mining Commission licence, fee and permit in this guide is a Mainland instrument. The known rare earth deposits are on the Mainland. The atomic energy regime is different: section 3 of the Atomic Energy Act applies to "Mainland Tanzania as well as Tanzania Zanzibar".
| Point | Mainland Tanzania | Zanzibar |
|---|---|---|
| Mining law | Mining Act, Cap. 123 | No dedicated mining law reported in November 2024; enactment not confirmed |
| Licensing body | Mining Commission | Not confirmed |
| Royalty | 3% or 6% plus 1% inspection fee (F0624, F0625) | Unknown |
| Radiation control | TAEC under the Atomic Energy Act | TAEC under the same Act, s.3 |
| Customs | TRA, TANCIS | TRA, TANCIS |
The Citizen reported on 28 November 2024 that Zanzibar had no dedicated mining law and was preparing one. Routing Mainland concentrate through a Zanzibar port does not avoid the Mining Commission's export permit.
Worked example: royalty and inspection fee on a rare earth concentrate shipment
This example is hypothetical. A special mining licence holder, 84% foreign-owned and 16% Government-held, ships 2,000 tonnes of rare earth concentrate in 100 twenty-foot containers. At an illustrative USD 2,500 a tonne, gross value is USD 5,000,000. We use an illustrative TZS 2,450 to the dollar; the control number amount governs.
| Charge | Register ID | Calculation | USD at 3% royalty | USD at 6% royalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Export permit application | F0628 | One consignment | 100 | 100 |
| Royalty | F0624 | 3% or 6% x USD 5,000,000 | 150,000 | 300,000 |
| Inspection fee | F0625 | 1% x USD 5,000,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 |
| HIV Response Levy | F0626 | 0.1% x USD 5,000,000 | 5,000 | 5,000 |
| Mining Commission charges | n/a | Sum of the four lines | 205,100 | 355,100 |
| TASAC clearing | F0390 | 100 x 20 ft containers at USD 300 | 30,000 | 30,000 |
| Total per shipment | n/a | All lines | 235,100 | 385,100 |
- In shillings: at 3% the Commission charges come to TZS 502,495,000 and the total to TZS 575,995,000. At 6% they come to TZS 869,995,000 and TZS 943,495,000.
- Share of value: Commission charges are 4.1% of gross value at 3% royalty and 7.1% at 6%. The class question moves USD 150,000 on this one shipment.
- Council: the 0.25% service levy adds USD 12,500 (TZS 30,625,000) (F0630).
- Not a fee: the Government's 16% is a share of dividends. On USD 10 million of distributable profit it takes at least USD 1.6 million.
- Radiation: above 500 ppm thorium or uranium, add TAEC charges assessed on filing.
Zatra's professional fee for the export file is quoted separately and is never added to these government charges.
What to do now
- Fix the royalty class. Ask the Mining Commission in writing whether it treats your rare earth product as metallic minerals or other minerals, and record the answer in the framework agreement.
- Assay for radioactivity. Test ore, concentrate, tailings and any monazite stream for thorium and uranium against the 500 ppm threshold.
- Open the TAEC file early. If the threshold is met or close, prepare the radiation protection, waste and transport plans before construction.
- Build the cap table. Model the 16% free carried interest in both the mining and any refinery company, with lender security and offshore account terms.
- Write the value-addition plan. Set out concentrate grade, any cracking or separation stage, the timetable and the offtaker.
- Start the EIA. Register with NEMC as soon as the footprint, tailings design and resettlement area are known.
- Plan each shipment. Book weighing, valuation and sealing, pay control numbers, obtain TAEC export authorisation where needed, and line up TASAC.
- Route trouble to an advocate. Default notices, licence cancellations, valuation disputes, seizures and legal opinions need an advocate before any reply.
Key dates
| Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 23 May 2003 | Atomic Energy Act assented; TAEC established | Act No. 7 of 2003 |
| 18 October 2011 | GN 369 of 2011 signed | FAOLEX copy |
| 10 January 2018 | GN 1, GN 2, GN 3 and GN 4 of 2018 published | TanzLII |
| 1 July 2022 | TAEC fees and charges, GN 478J of 2022, in force | TanzLII |
| 17 April 2023 | Ngualla framework agreement signed | TanzaniaInvest |
| April 2023 | Ngualla SML granted to Mamba Minerals | The Business Wiz |
| 30 April 2024 | Value-addition plan announced as a licence condition | The Guardian |
| 24 July 2025 | Wigu Hill licence handed to STAMICO | The Chanzo |
Royalty and levy rates change by Act of Parliament, usually from 1 July.
How Zatra helps
Zatra's sector business permits service prepares licence files, local content and CSR plans, TAEC submissions and export permit packs. Our investment due diligence service checks licence title, rent, royalty class, radiation compliance and state participation for buyers and lenders. See our Tanzania mining page, the government fees handbook and pricing.
Two cost buckets stay separate. Royalty, the inspection fee, levies, rent, TAEC and permit fees are paid by the client to each authority at the official rate against its control number. Zatra's professional fee is quoted on its own and never marked up onto them.
The authorities make every decision. Zatra prepares and coordinates the file; it does not decide or guarantee any authority's outcome. Framework agreement negotiation, licence cancellations, disputes, seizures, prosecutions and formal legal opinions go to the advocate on our team.
Sources and status
Accurate as at 27 October 2026. Section numbers are from the 2019 text of the Mining Act unless marked R.E. 2023. Fees are from the Zatra fee register at 26 September 2026.
- Mining Act, Cap. 123: TanzLII, text as at 30 Nov 2019; GN 1 of 2018 and GN 4 of 2018: TanzLII, 10 Jan 2018.
- Atomic Energy Act, No. 7 of 2003: Tanzania Trade Portal copy, assented 23 May 2003.
- Radiation safety in mining and processing of radioactive ores, GN 369 of 2011: FAOLEX, signed 18 Oct 2011.
- Atomic Energy (Fees and Charges) Regulations, GN 478J of 2022: TanzLII, 1 Jul 2022.
- Permanent Sovereignty Act, 2017: TanzLII, as amended.
- Mining (Value Addition) Regulations, GN 687 of 2020: TanzLII, 28 Aug 2020, record only.
- Mining Commission, cadastre portal, TAEC and NEMC: official sites, live Oct 2026.
- Mining framework agreement: Clyde & Co, 19 Nov 2024.
- Ngualla: TanzaniaInvest, 19 Apr 2023; The Business Wiz, 27 Apr 2023; NS Energy, 23 Jul 2021.
- Ngualla updated ore reserve: Peak Resources ASX release of 11 Apr 2017, via MarketScreener.
- Shenghe and Ngualla: Ecofin Agency, 20 Sep 2025; The BizLens, 8 May 2025; BigGo Finance, 22 Sep 2026.
- Wigu Hill: The Chanzo, 25 Jul 2025; TanzaniaInvest, 27 Jul 2025; The Citizen, 23 Nov 2024.
- Njombe discovery: Voice of Nigeria, 21 May 2026.
- Value addition: The Guardian, 1 May 2024; The Respondents, 23 Sep 2026; The Guardian, 21 Oct 2026; TanzaniaInvest, 4 Aug 2025.
- Zanzibar mining law: The Citizen, 28 Nov 2024.
- Zatra fee register lines F0241, F0343, F0390, F0442, F0498, F0508, F0615, F0616, F0618, F0619, F0621, F0622, F0624 to F0626, F0628, F0630, F0631 and NEW-06-16: fees at 26 Sep 2026. Accessed 27 Oct 2026, as were all sources above.
Figures to confirm before you act
- Royalty class: whether the Commission applies 3% (other minerals) or 6% (metallic minerals) to your rare earth product
- Rent class: whether ML rent is USD 3,000 or USD 2,000 a km2 for a rare earth licence area
- Export terms: what GN 687 of 2020 and your framework agreement require before rare earth concentrate leaves the country
- TAEC fees: the current charges under GN 478J of 2022, assessed by TAEC on filing
- GN 369 of 2011: whether it remains in force unamended alongside GN 4 of 2018
- NEMC band: whether the radioactive mining fee line (F0508) applies to your project
- R.E. 2023 numbering: current numbers for ss.4, 8, 10, 86, 86A and 88; we read the 2019 text
- Project status: construction and licence status of Ngualla, Wigu Hill and the Njombe find
- Worked example inputs: USD 2,500 a tonne and TZS 2,450 to the dollar are assumptions, not quotes
This article is general information based on official sources available at the date of publication. It is not legal, tax or financial advice. Laws and notices change. Verify with the issuing authority or consult Zatra before acting.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreign company own 100% of a rare earth mine in Tanzania?
No. The licence must sit in a Tanzanian company, and the Government holds at least 16% of any company with a mining licence or special mining licence. The foreign group can hold the remainder, subject to local content rules and the terms of its framework agreement.
Can drill core or bulk samples be exported for metallurgical testing?
Yes, with a sample export permit from the Mining Commission. Agree the sample size, laboratory and return or disposal terms first. If the material crosses the thorium or uranium threshold, TAEC transport and export rules apply as well, so assay before you book the courier.
Do phosphate or niobium by-products pay the same royalty as rare earths?
Not necessarily. Royalty follows each mineral's class. The register prints 1% for phosphate used for fertiliser and 3% for industrial minerals (F0624). Name every saleable product in the licence application and the framework agreement so each has an agreed rate.
Does a rare earth mine need a council business licence?
Not for mining itself. The Business Licensing Act excludes miners licensed under the Mining Act (NEW-08-16). A separate trading or logistics business in the group may need its own licence.
Can a trader buy and export Tanzanian rare earth concentrate?
Only with a mineral dealer licence, which needs at least 25% Tanzanian shareholding (F0622). The dealer pays a payment in lieu of royalty when it exports. No dealer or broker licence is available for uranium minerals, which matters if a stream is radioactive.
What happens to licences if the parent company is sold?
A direct transfer of a mineral right needs Commission consent and a USD 3,000 fee (NEW-06-16). A sale of the offshore parent can still need Tanzanian approvals and tax filings. Ecofin reported that Shenghe's takeover of Peak was pre-cleared in Tanzania. See our guide to renewing and transferring a mining licence.
Who pays to close a radioactive tailings facility?
The licence holder. GN 369 of 2011 requires decommissioning funds, set aside by insurance or another approved method, and GN 4 of 2018 sets long-term stability goals for tailings.
Can rare earth sales proceeds be held offshore?
The Permanent Sovereignty Act requires earnings from natural resources to be kept in Tanzanian banks, apart from repatriation allowed by law. Lenders often want offshore accounts, so agree the position in the framework agreement and with the Bank of Tanzania before financial close.
Sources & regulators
Verify before filing: Rates, forms and thresholds move by Finance Act, Government Notice and portal revision. Confirm the live schedule on the mandate-holder portal before you budget or submit. Law-firm alerts and Big Four notes are discovery only.
- Mining Act, Cap. 123 (revised text at 30 Nov 2019): TanzLII, text as at 30 Nov 2019, ss.2, 4 (metallic minerals, energy minerals, Mineral Concentrate para (c) rare earth elements), 8(2), 10, 86, 86A(2), 87(1), 88 and 90A read 27 Oct 2026; primary source. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- Mining (Radioactive Minerals) Regulations, 2018, GN 4 of 2018: TanzLII, Government Notice published 10 Jan 2018, regs 2, 3, 6, 7, 18 and 23 read 27 Oct 2026; primary source. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- Atomic Energy Act, No. 7 of 2003: Tanzania Trade Portal copy of the Act assented 23 May 2003, ss.3, 5, 17 and 47 read 27 Oct 2026; primary source. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- Atomic Energy (Radiation Safety in the Mining and Processing of Radioactive Ores) Regulations, 2011, GN 369 of 2011: FAOLEX (FAO) copy of GN 369 of 2011, signed 18 Oct 2011, regs 3, 6, 8 to 10, 15, 16 and 29 read 27 Oct 2026; primary text. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- Atomic Energy (Fees and Charges) Regulations, 2022, GN 478J of 2022: TanzLII, published 1 Jul 2022, Third Schedule read 27 Oct 2026; primary source. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- Natural Wealth and Resources (Permanent Sovereignty) Act, 2017: TanzLII, Act No. 5 of 2017 as amended, s.9 relied on, accessed 27 Oct 2026; primary source. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- Mining (Value Addition) Regulations, 2020, GN 687 of 2020: TanzLII, version of 28 Aug 2020, record only (text behind subscription) checked 27 Oct 2026; primary source. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- Mining (Mineral Rights) Regulations, 2018, GN 1 of 2018: TanzLII, Government Notice published 10 Jan 2018; fees taken from the Zatra fee register at 26 Sep 2026, accessed 27 Oct 2026; primary source. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- Mining Commission (Tume ya Madini): Mining Commission official website, live Oct 2026, accessed 27 Oct 2026; regulator. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- Online Mining Cadastre Transactional Portal: Mining Commission, live Oct 2026, accessed 27 Oct 2026; regulator portal. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission: TAEC official website, live Oct 2026, accessed 27 Oct 2026; regulator. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- National Environment Management Council: NEMC official website, live Oct 2026, accessed 27 Oct 2026; regulator. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- TanzaniaInvest: Framework Agreement for Ngualla Rare Earth Project signed: TanzaniaInvest, published 19 Apr 2023 (signing 17 Apr 2023), read 27 Oct 2026; independent news source. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- The Business Wiz: Peak secures Special Mining Licence for Ngualla: The Business Wiz, published 27 Apr 2023, read 27 Oct 2026; independent news source. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- NS Energy: Peak secures mining licence for Ngualla: NS Energy, published 23 Jul 2021 (Cabinet approval of the SML), read 27 Oct 2026; independent news source. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- MarketScreener: Peak Resources, Ngualla updated ore reserve: MarketScreener republication of Peak Resources ASX announcement of 11 Apr 2017 (3% Tanzanian royalty modelled; U 14 ppm, Th 55 ppm), read 27 Oct 2026; company disclosure. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- Ecofin Agency: Shenghe tightens grip on Tanzania's Ngualla rare earths: Ecofin Agency, Idriss Linge, published 20 Sep 2025, read 27 Oct 2026; independent news source. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- The BizLens: Australian miner to start Tanzanian rare earth project: The BizLens, published 8 May 2025, read 27 Oct 2026; independent news source. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- BigGo Finance: Shenghe denies control change; Tanzania mine awaiting approval: BigGo Finance, published 22 Sep 2026, reporting Shenghe statements, read 27 Oct 2026; independent news aggregator. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- The Chanzo: STAMICO secures Wigu Hills licence after ICSID settlement: The Chanzo, published 25 Jul 2025, read 27 Oct 2026; independent news source. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- TanzaniaInvest: STAMICO awarded Wigu Hill rare earth mining licence: TanzaniaInvest, published 27 Jul 2025, read 27 Oct 2026; independent news source. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- The Citizen: Tanzania settles its dispute with Canadian firm: The Citizen, Paul Owere, published 23 Nov 2024, read 27 Oct 2026; independent news source. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- Voice of Nigeria: Tanzania discovers rare earth deposits in Njombe: Voice of Nigeria, published 21 May 2026, read 27 Oct 2026; independent news source. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- Clyde & Co: Tanzania mining framework agreement: Clyde & Co, published 19 Nov 2024, read 27 Oct 2026; independent law firm source. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- The Guardian: Investments in minerals must prepare plans to add value: The Guardian (IPP Media), published 1 May 2024, reporting the Minister's budget speech of 30 Apr 2024, read 27 Oct 2026; independent news source. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- The Respondents: Tanzania warns Africa against easing rules on strategic mineral exports: The Respondents, published 23 Sep 2026, read 27 Oct 2026; independent news source. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- The Guardian: Ministers consult on rare earths regional integration framework: The Guardian (IPP Media), published 21 Oct 2026, read 27 Oct 2026; independent news source. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- TanzaniaInvest: Tanzania identifies 14 mineral value addition opportunities: TanzaniaInvest, published 4 Aug 2025 on a July 2025 Manufacturing Africa report, read 27 Oct 2026; independent news source. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- The Citizen: How Zanzibar hopes to promote economic growth with mining law: The Citizen, published 28 Nov 2024, read 27 Oct 2026; independent news source. Accessed 2026-10-27.
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