Tanzania's Minister of Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, has ordered the revocation of 40 mineral exploration licenses over the failure of holders to develop them, following repeated non-compliance despite earlier warnings and grace periods.

Speaking in Dodoma, Mavunde stated that the initiative aims to enhance resource governance and address the increasing issue of unauthorized encroachment in licensed areas. He added that inactive operators would be removed from the sector.

He warned that the government would not tolerate negligence that undermines the mining industry and the wider economy.

The revoked licenses will be returned to the state and reallocated to small-scale miners, capable investors, and special groups under the Mining for a Brighter Tomorrow program.

A government review found widespread violations, including license hoarding, non-payment of fees, breaches of local content rules, and failure to meet corporate social responsibility obligations.

Meanwhile, 43 other license holders have been issued with compliance notices and given 30 days to address shortcomings, with authorities warning that failure to comply will lead to further cancellation.