Tanzania is set to begin uranium mining in Namtumbo District following the near-completion of a pilot smelting facility, the Ministry of Minerals announced, Daily News reported.

The $1.2bn project led by Mantra Tanzania Limited—a subsidiary of Uranium One Group under Russia’s state nuclear energy firm Rosatom—marks a major step in the country’s efforts to add value to its mineral resources locally. The project includes a uranium processing plant and is expected to create over 4,000 direct and more than 100,000 indirect jobs.

Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde said the development aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to ensure that Tanzania’s minerals benefit its citizens through local processing and energy generation.

With reserves estimated at 58,500 tonnes, the Namtumbo project has a projected mine life of 22 years and is expected to place Tanzania among the world’s top ten uranium producers, according to Daily News.

In May, President Hassan directed authorities to accelerate preparations for uranium production and nuclear energy development, stating that Tanzania must prioritise domestic energy needs before exports.

As bne IntelliNews reported, Tanzania recently launched a state-led nuclear energy programme. Energy Ministry Permanent Secretary Felchesmi Mramba said the government had begun consultations and is working with international regulators.

Tanzania’s renewed focus on uranium comes amid a global shift towards low-emission energy sources. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has acknowledged the country’s uranium development potential, while the World Nuclear Association lists it among countries with viable uranium resources.