The United Republic of Tanzania has confirmed that mineral concentrates will be exported in the near future. This is according to Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa who was speaking in parliament while responding to a question raised by Member of Parliament for Msalala (CCM) Idd Kassim about why the government had prohibited exportation of mineral concentrates and why it had, soon after, lifted the ban.
Majaliwa stated that the reason behind the prohibition between 2017 and 2018 was alleged theft and fraud and the ban was necessary in order to conduct due diligence and have a thorough investigation done after which a local company was to be established. This led to the birth of the Twiga Company, a joint venture between the government and private investors.
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Structured permit system
The prime minister also said that a clear and structured permit system had been established and that no container or cargo lacking suitable permits and other necessary documentation will be transported to the port. “The government has been paying close attention to the situation after holding the shipment,” he said.
Majaliwa also added that there are ore mineral types in the sand that was being transported but the information had not been disclosed until after the probe committee indicated this on their report.
Tanzania’s exports include Mineral Concentrates like gemstones and gold which is the principal commodity and the most lucrative, accounting for more than two thirds of Tanzania’s export earnings.