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Tanzania to Clamp Down on Mineral Smuggling

January 3, 2014
1 minute read

In an attempt to eliminate mineral smuggling, Tanzania will blacklist dealers involved in smuggling as of January 2014.

New rules will require that all mineral dealers and brokers must possess operating licenses and correct documentation such as an export permit, customs clearance and a company invoice.

Mineral inspectors will also be deployed to Northern borders in the country including in Namanga, Holili and Tarakea to further contain smuggling.

Stephen Masele, Deputy Minister for Energy and Minerals, confirmed that any dealers found to be involved in smuggling would be permanently banned from the mineral business in Tanzania and emphasized that increased transparency and documentation would provide greater assurances for buyers.

It is estimated that the country currently loses Tsh15 billion from minerals being smuggled through the country’s border posts.

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