DARUBINI – TANZANIA BRIEFING – MARCH 2025
Chinese investments in Africa’s mineral sector have expanded rapidly in recent years, driven by China’s increased resource demand, the continent’s abundant mineral reserves and the risk-taking entrepreneurial culture among Chinese investors. To address concerns about ethical practices, the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals, and Chemicals Importers and Exporters (CCCMC) introduced voluntary Chinese Due Diligence Guidelines for Responsible Mineral Supply Chains in 2015.
However, despite these regulatory strides, the growing presence of Chinese investors in small-scale gold mining in Tanzania has introduced governance challenges. In the country, small-scale mining, for which licenses are reserved to Tanzanian citizens by law, is estimated to employ more than 1.2 million people and contributes 40% of the mining revenues collected by the national Mining Commission. Initially entering as traders or processors, many Chinese investors have transitioned into production by partnering with local miners through financial and technical support, raising concerns about regulatory loopholes and oversight, exploitation of local miners, and the broader implications of foreign dominance in the sector.
This edition of DARUBINI examines the technical support landscape in small-scale mining, exploring its regulatory, human rights, and socio-economic dimensions. It also features community perspectives on how these foreign investments impact small-scale miners, local communities, and government policies.
“DARUBINI” is the quarterly briefing on “Justice, Human Rights, and Natural Resource Governance in Tanzania.”
This publication has been produced with the financial assistance of the Belgian Directorate-General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid (DGD). The contents of this document can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the Belgian Development Cooperation.
