Dodoma. The Tanzanian government has initiated an environmental assessment for the Mkuju River uranium mining project in Namtumbo District, marking a significant step towards the long-awaited start of operations.

The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) will pave the way for mining by ensuring that the Mkuju River uranium mining project in southern Tanzania complies with ecological and legal standards, deputy minister for mines Stephen Kiruswa told Parliament on Friday, November 8, 2024. Activities that can significantly boost the economy.

According to him, the assessment, which started on November 3, focuses on the Mikumi-Selous Game Reserve ecosystem.

Mr Kiruswa said the assessment reflected the government’s commitment to sustainable resource development.

“The government, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and in accordance with environmental legislation, has ordered a Strategic Environmental Assessment to be carried out on the Mikumi-Selous Game Reserve ecosystem.

The Mkuju River project is expected to proceed in accordance with the findings of this ecological SEA,” Mr Kiruswa said.

The deputy minister was responding to a question from Namtumbo Member of Parliament Vita Kawawa (CCM) who asked about the reasons preventing the uranium project from starting in Namtumbo’s Mkuju district despite having already obtained mining and construction licences.

The Mkuju River uranium project, managed by Mantra Tanzania Limited, was first granted a Special Mining License (SML) in 2013.

However, development soon stalled due to the significant drop in global uranium prices.

“With uranium prices now stabilised, the company is ready to move forward,” Mr Kiruswa said.

“But first we have to make sure all environmental measures are taken,” he added.

The deputy minister announced that the government has appointed a contractor to carry out the SEA, which is expected to be completed within six months.

The findings of the evaluation will determine the timing of the project’s next steps, but the government and Mantra Tanzania are optimistic about progress soon.

Mr. Kiruswa emphasized the importance of the project: “Once completed, this project will play a significant role in our economy and benefit the people of Namtumbo.”

Mr Kiruswa suggested the government was working on a request to consider pilot mining in the project, but the wider project would have to wait for environmental assessment results with the contractor already on site.