Leveraging Global Demand for Critical Minerals
Date: May 31, 2023

Purpose of the Dialogue

The event aimed to address the burgeoning global demand for critical minerals—such as nickel, cobalt, lithium, graphite, and rare earth elements—and explore how Tanzania can strategically harness this demand to bolster its socio-economic development.

HakiRasilimali’s Role

As the convener, HakiRasilimali facilitated a multi-stakeholder platform bringing together experts from government, industry, and civil society. The organization’s role encompassed:

• Organizing the Event: Coordinating logistics, inviting panelists, and setting the agenda.
• Moderating Discussions: Guiding conversations to ensure productive and focused dialogue.
• Advocacy and Policy Influence: Using insights from the dialogue to inform policy recommendations and advocate for reforms in the extractive sector.HakiRasilimali

Key Discussions and Outcomes

The dialogue featured panelists including:Policy Forum+9Tanzania Mining Digest+9The Citizen+9

• Terence Ngole – Director, National Mineral Resources Data Bank, Geological Survey of Tanzania.
• Gerald Mturi – General Manager, Adavale Resources Tanzania.
• Silas O’lang – Energy Transition Advisor, Natural Resource Governance Institute.

Discussions centered on several critical areas:

• Policy and Legal Frameworks: Stakeholders emphasized the need to review and update Tanzania’s Mineral Policy of 2009 and the Mining Act of 2010 to better align with the evolving dynamics of the critical minerals market.
• Transparency and Accountability: There was a call for the full implementation of the TEITA Act of 2015 (amended in 2021) to enhance public scrutiny and confidence in the mining sector.
• Institutional Capacity: Participants highlighted the importance of strengthening institutions like the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) both technically and financially to effectively manage and oversee critical mineral resources.
• Environmental Considerations: The dialogue acknowledged that while incentives to develop mining reserves are essential, they should not compromise environmental protection. A review of mining license awarding processes was recommended to ensure environmental safeguards are upheld.
• Economic Incentives: Concerns were raised about the current tax and VAT structures, particularly how they affect exploration companies. Recommendations included revising these financial policies to create a more conducive environment for investment.

HakiRasilimali’s Ongoing Efforts

Following the dialogue, HakiRasilimali continues to advocate for:

• Policy Reforms: Engaging with policymakers to implement the recommended changes in the legal and regulatory frameworks governing the mining sector.
• Capacity Building: Providing training and resources to local communities and institutions to enhance their participation in the extractive industries.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing mechanisms to track the implementation of policies and the impact of mining activities on local communities.

Through initiatives like the “Hoja Yako Mezani” dialogue, HakiRasilimali plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Tanzania’s rich mineral resources contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development while promoting transparency, accountability, and environmental sustainability.