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| President Samia Suluhu Hassan launches MANTRA Tanzania Uranium Pilot Plant Mkuju River Project, Tanzania's first major uranium mine in Namtumbo, Ruvuma. |
RUVUMA, TANZANIA: In a landmark step for its mining and energy sectors, Tanzania has launched a uranium pilot plant at the Mkuju River Project (MRP) in Namtumbo District, Ruvuma Region. The historic event, officiated by President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the country's vision to leverage strategic minerals for national development.
President Samia described the inauguration as “a long-awaited victory” for the nation, signalling a turning point in Tanzania’s efforts to build a technology-driven, resource-based economy.
“Today is not just a celebration, but the beginning of something transformative for this region and our country,” she said.
Positioning Tanzania as a Regional Uranium Hub
The Mkuju River area is estimated to have the capacity to produce up to 300,000 tonnes of uranium per year, according to technical experts. This development places Tanzania among a handful of African countries with confirmed uranium reserves and now positions it to become a regional leader in uranium exploration and processing.
With uranium being vital for nuclear energy, cancer treatment, and scientific research, the launch of the pilot plant places Tanzania on the global map—joining the ranks of the top ten contributors to the uranium value chain.
President Samia noted that although Africa holds 20% of global uranium reserves, most of it is exported in raw form. The pilot plant therefore marks a strategic step towards value addition and economic transformation.
Economic Potential and Government Revenues
Initial projections indicate that the project will operate for more than 20 years, generating an estimated USD 1.2 billion (approx. TZS 3.2 trillion) in foreign exchange. Breakdown of government revenues from the project includes:
- USD 373 million (TZS 999 billion) in royalties
- USD 26 million (TZS 69.7 billion) from tree taxes
- USD 15.7 million (TZS 42 billion) in withholding tax
- USD 20.8 million (TZS 55.8 billion) in licence fees
- USD 1.01 billion (TZS 2.7 trillion) in corporate tax
- USD 40 million (TZS 107 billion) in dividends from the government’s 20% stake
President Samia emphasized the importance of ensuring that local communities benefit from the initiative and directed the Ministry of Minerals and environmental agencies to enforce international safety and environmental compliancestandards.
“Let this be a model project—one that is inclusive, safe and delivers real benefits to our people,” she said.
Project Implementation and Sustainability
Developed by Mantra Tanzania Limited, a subsidiary of Uranium One Group under ROSATOM (Russia's State Atomic Energy Corporation), the uranium pilot plant will also serve as a training hub, particularly for youth from the local communities.
According to Mr. Majani Wambura, Sustainability Manager at Mantra Tanzania, uranium at the site is extracted from soil (not hard rock), using chemical processing to produce yellow cake, which will be stored in secure 200-litre barrels.
He noted that the main construction phase of the mine is scheduled to begin in 2026 and complete by 2029, with a processing capacity of up to 3,000 tonnes per year. Once operational, the facility is expected to create over 4,000 direct jobs and support 21,000 livelihoods across its supply chain.
Discussions are ongoing with the government on future use of uranium for power generation, while some by-products may be used locally for medical applications, such as cancer treatment.
Strategic Bilateral Partnership with Russia
Mr. Pavel Larionov, Head of Uranium One Group, lauded the project as the beginning of a long-term partnership between Tanzania and Russia. He also affirmed the company’s commitment to community development, citing ongoing investments in education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.
Russian Ambassador to Tanzania, Andrey Avetisyan, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the uranium project will strengthen bilateral ties and deepen economic cooperation between the two nations.
🔍 Conclusion
The Mkuju River Uranium Pilot Plant is more than a mining operation—it is a strategic national asset with far-reaching implications for energy, health, industrialization, and foreign investment. With prudent management and continued collaboration between the government and private sector, this project stands to become a model for responsible resource development in Africa.
Source: Daily News | KILOLE MZEE BLOG
Date: August 1, 2025
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