Mining & Energy Legal Support for Investors in Tanzania

Tanzania's Natural Resources Sector

Tanzania is endowed with significant reserves of gold, diamonds, tanzanite, coal, iron ore, natural gas, and other minerals. The country ranks among Africa's top gold producers, and major offshore natural gas discoveries in the Indian Ocean have positioned Tanzania as an emerging energy hub for East Africa.

The sector is governed by the Mining Act (2010, as amended), the Petroleum Act (2015), and related regulations - a complex and frequently evolving legal framework that demands expert on-the-ground legal counsel for any foreign operator.

Our Mining & Energy Legal Services

Mining Licence Applications & Renewals

Tanzania's Mining Commission issues several categories of mining rights, including Prospecting Licences, Gemstone Mining Licences, Primary Mining Licences, Special Mining Licences, and Mining Licences. Each category has different requirements, duration, and renewal procedures. Arik Law prepares and files licence applications, manages renewals, and advises on licence conditions and compliance obligations.

Environmental & Social Compliance

All mining and energy projects in Tanzania must obtain an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate from the National Environment Management Council (NEMC). We advise on EIA preparation requirements, community engagement obligations, and ongoing environmental monitoring compliance - and represent clients in disputes with NEMC or local communities.

Government Negotiation & Mining Development Agreements

Large-scale mining projects may require a Mining Development Agreement (MDA) with the Government of Tanzania, setting out fiscal terms, local content requirements, and investor protections. Arik Law advises on MDA negotiations, ensuring that terms are commercially viable and legally enforceable.

Local Content Requirements

Tanzania's mining and petroleum regulations include mandatory local content provisions - requiring minimum percentages of local employment, local procurement of goods and services, and local shareholding in certain cases. We advise on compliance with these requirements to avoid regulatory sanctions and licence revocation.

Joint Ventures with the Government & Local Partners

The Tanzanian state retains the right to participate in mining ventures through the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) or by statutory right in large special mining licences. We advise on structuring joint ventures that balance commercial efficiency with mandatory government participation requirements.

Petroleum & Natural Gas Law

Tanzania's offshore gas sector is governed by the Petroleum Act 2015 and production sharing agreements (PSAs) with the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC). We advise on PSA negotiations, offshore exploration licences, gas supply agreements, and LNG project regulatory requirements.

Renewable Energy Projects

Tanzania is rapidly expanding its renewable energy capacity - including hydropower, solar, wind, and geothermal. We advise on Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with TANESCO (Tanzania's national utility), generation licences from the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA), and project financing structures for independent power producers.

Mining Disputes & Licence Challenges

Disputes in the mining sector include licence cancellations, boundary disputes, government royalty assessments, and community opposition. Arik Law represents mining investors in appeals before the Mining Commission, in High Court proceedings, and in international arbitration when government action threatens their investment.

Minerals & Resources We Advise On

• Gold (Tanzania is one of Africa's top producers)
• Tanzanite (unique to Tanzania's Merelani region)
• Diamonds (Williamson Diamond Mine area)
• Coal (Ruvuma Basin)
• Natural gas (offshore Rovuma Basin)
• Uranium (Bahi and Mkuju River areas)
• Iron ore, nickel, copper
• Gemstones and industrial minerals