“President Samia Suluhu Hassan” will officially inaugurate Tanzania’s first major uranium mine in Namtumbo, Ruvuma, on July 30, 2025. Operated by “Mantra Tanzania” (a subsidiary of Russia’s state nuclear giant **ROSATOM**), the $1.2 billion project as to:
1. Fuel Domestic Nuclear Ambitions.
– Uranium will be “processed locally” (not exported raw), with a pilot plant nearing completion.
– Directly supports Tanzania’s plan to build “nuclear power plants” for energy sovereignty.
2. Drive Economic Transformation.
– Creates “4,000+ direct jobs” and “100,000+ indirect opportunities” in the region.
– Generates significant “tax revenue” for national development and local infrastructure.
3. Position Tanzania Globally.
– Targets entry into the “world’s top 10 uranium producers”.
– “Russian-backed tech transfer” will build local expertise in nuclear/mining sectors.
4. Strategic Infrastructure Growth.
– Project demands upgrades to roads, power grids, and services in Ruvuma.
– Aligns with national goals to leverage minerals for industrialization.
Significance:
Marks Tanzania’s pivot from raw mineral exports to “high-value domestic processing”, linking resource wealth to energy security and broad-based development.
Key Tags:
#EnergyTransition | #NuclearAfrica | #LocalContent | #TanzaniaRising`
Russia-Backed Uranium Mine Launch: Tanzania’s Bid for Jobs, Taxes & Nuclear Know-How!
1. Mantra’s Country of Origin.
Mantra Tanzania Limited is a subsidiary of Uranium One Group, which operates under Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation – “ROSATOM“. The project represents significant Russian investment in Tanzania’s mineral sector.
2. Local Uranium Processing.
Tanzania will process uranium “locally”, aligning with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive for domestic value addition:
– A pilot uranium processing plant is near completion in Namtumbo.
– The project includes a dedicated “uranium value-addition plant” to ensure ore is refined within Tanzania rather than exported raw.
– This local processing is a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to capture greater economic benefits.
3. Electricity Generation from Uranium: From Mining to Megawatts: Tanzania’s Uranium Project Aims for Energy Sovereignty.
Tanzania plans to “use uranium for domestic nuclear energy”:
– President Samia has explicitly ordered the acceleration of uranium mining to enable nuclear power generation, citing Tanzania’s energy needs and untapped potential.
– Mantra has begun discussions with the government to build a nuclear power plant using uranium from the mine.
– The goal is to achieve energy self-sufficiency and potentially export electricity to neighbors (e.g., Zambia).
4. Economic Benefits for Tanzanians.
The project is designed to generate transformative local benefits:
– Job Creation:
– “4,000+ direct jobs” (mining, processing, technical roles).
– “100,000+ indirect jobs” (supply chains, services, infrastructure).
– Tax Revenue:
– The $1.2 billion investment will contribute substantial tax and royalty income.
– Revenue will fund national development priorities and local infrastructure in Ruvuma.
– Technical Know-How Transfer:
– Local processing requires training Tanzanians in advanced mining and nuclear technology.
– Partnerships with ROSATOM will facilitate skills transfer.
– Environmental safeguards (e.g., Strategic Environmental Assessment) include training in sustainable practices.
– Broader Economic Impact:
– Stimulating regional development (roads, power, services) in Namtumbo.
– Positioning Tanzania among the world’s “top 10 uranium producers”, attracting further investment.
Key Project Details.
– Uranium Reserves:
139 million tonnes of deposits (ore), containing ~58,500 tonnes of recoverable uranium.
– Mine Lifespan: 22 years.
– Timeline:
Launching imminently, with President Samia officiating on July 30, 2025.
This project marks a strategic shift toward leveraging mineral resources for energy independence and broad-based economic growth, directly supporting Tanzania’s industrialization goals.
Read more analysis by Rutashubanyuma Nestory
