Top 10 Gold Deposits in Tanzania | Key Locations & Investment Opportunities

Gold deposits in Tanzania are among the richest in Africa, with significant reserves located in regions such as Geita, Shinyanga, and Mara. These deposits contain high-grade gold and benefit both large-scale mining operations and artisanal miners. Tanzania ranks as the fourth-largest gold producer on the continent, making it a vital destination for gold exploration, mining investment, and trade in East Africa. Gold deposits in Tanzania

Top 10 Gold Deposits in Tanzania

Tanzania hosts some of Africa’s richest and most productive gold deposits, primarily located along the Lake Victoria Gold Belt, as well as other emerging zones. Here’s a breakdown of the ten most significant deposits by resource scale, production, and economic value: Gold deposits in Tanzania

1. Bulyanhulu Gold Mine (Shinyanga Region)

Owned by Barrick Gold Corporation, this mine stands out as one of the deepest and richest in Tanzania. Renowned for its high-grade gold veins, it operates as an underground mine with remarkable estimated reserves of approximately 10 million ounces. The mine has a substantial output, producing between 200,000 and 300,000 ounces of gold annually, which significantly contributes to the region’s mining industry and economy. Gold deposits in Tanzania

2. North Mara Gold Mine (Mara Region)

The Barrick Gold Corporation owns it. Strong production record; located near the Kenya border, it is an Open-pit and underground mine. Estimated Reserves 4 million ounces with an Output of over 250,000 oz/year

3. Geita Gold Mine (Geita Region)

Tanzania’s largest gold mine, a major contributor to the country’s GDP, is owned by AngloGold Ashanti. It is an Open-pit with Estimated Reserves of 7–8 million ounces, having an Output of 500,000 oz/year (largest in Tanzania)

4. Buckreef Gold Project (Geita Region)

It is rapid development and expansion, with a new processing plant built in 2022. Owned by TRX Gold (Tanzanian Gold Corporation), it’s an Open-pit (expanding to underground) with Estimated Reserves: 2–3 million ounces

5. Nyanzaga Gold Project (Mwanza Region)

Feasibility stage completed; full mining license issued in 2023, which is owned by OreCorp Ltd (in partnership with the government), it is an Open-pit transitioning to underground with Estimated Reserves of 3 million ounces

6. Golden Pride Mine (Tabora Region)

It is owned by the Resolute Mining (closed in 2013), it’s an Open-pit, Tanzania’s first modern gold mine; its success opened doors for future exploration with a total mined of 2.2 million ounces (over its lifetime). Gold deposits in Tanzania

7. Sekenke Gold Mine (Singida Region)

It the Tanzania’s first gold mine, dating back to colonial times, having a Total Mined of 500,000 ounces (early 20th century)

8. Kanzirangoma Project (Singida Region)

Emerging mid-sized deposit under exploration; part of Shanta’s Singida expansion. It is owned by Shanta Gold with an Estimated Resource of 500,000–800,000 ounces

9. Lupa Goldfields (Mbeya Region)

It is owned by multiple artisanal and junior mining companies, having a Total Potential of 1 million+ ounces, with historically mined and still active with artisanal miners; the government is considering formalization.

10. Itetemia Gold Project (near Mwanza)

Close to Bulyanhulu, holds strategic exploration value, and it is owned by Lake Victoria Gold Ltd with estimated Reserves: 500,000 ounces

 Major gold mining regions in Tanzania.

1. Geita Region (Northwest Tanzania)

It is known as the largest gold-producing area in the country and is located on the western shore of Lake Victoria, having various Mines like

• Geita Gold Mine. Operated by AngloGold Ashanti, Tanzania’s largest gold mine.
• Buckreef Gold Project. Managed by TRX Gold; undergoing expansion.

Importance:

• Geita accounts for a significant share of national gold output, with robust infrastructure, processing plants, and road access.
• Strong government-private partnerships have made Geita a model for responsible mining. Gold deposits in Tanzania

2. Shinyanga Region

It’s known for high-grade underground gold deposits located south of Mwanza, northwest Tanzania

Having various Mines like

• Bulyanhulu Gold Mine. Owned by Barrick Gold, one of the richest underground gold mines in Africa.
• Buzwagi Gold Mine (closed). Previously, one of the largest open-pit operations.

Importance:

• Shinyanga holds deep vein deposits and hosts advanced processing infrastructure.
• It is a historic contributor to Tanzania’s gold exports and mining workforce.

3. Mara Region

It’s known as the Border-region deposits near Kenya, located in the Northeast of Lake Victoria with various Mines.  Like North Mara Gold Mine, which is operated by Barrick Gold, both open-pit and underground.

 Importance:

• Plays a strategic role in Tanzania-Kenya trade.
• The region’s proximity to regional hubs enhances export logistics via land and air routes.

4. Mwanza Region

Located in the South of Lake Victoria, it’s known for its key exploration and refining activity with various projects:

• Nyanzaga Gold Project. Developed by OreCorp and the Tanzanian government.
• Itetemia Project. Near Bulyanhulu, under exploration. Gold deposits in Tanzania

Importance:

• Mwanza acts as a logistics and processing hub for the surrounding gold mines.
• Growing investor interest due to high-potential undeveloped sites.

5. Mbeya Region (Lupa Goldfields)

It is located in Southwestern Tanzania, known for Historical and artisanal gold mining with notable Mines like

• New Luika Gold Mine. Operated by Shanta Gold, it combines open-pit and underground mining.

Importance:

• Lupa Goldfields is rich in alluvial and hard-rock gold.
• Strong artisanal mining presence with growing formalization efforts.

  Mining Laws in Tanzania

Tanzania is one of Africa’s top gold producers, backed by strong legal frameworks, vast mineral reserves, and government-driven reforms. Here’s everything investors need to know:

1. The Mining Act, 2010 (Revised in 2017 and 2019)

This is the primary legal framework for mineral extraction and licensing. Key points include:

• The government holds a minimum 16% free-carried interest in all mining companies.
• Mandatory mineral beneficiation and value addition within the country.
• Increased royalty rates (e.g., 6% for gold).

2. Natural Wealth and Resources (Permanent Sovereignty) Act, 2017

Declares that all natural resources belong to the Tanzanian people, which prohibits international arbitration outside Tanzania without approval, and it ensures the state plays a central role in negotiation and profit-sharing.

3. Local Content Regulations (2018)

Mining companies must prioritize Tanzanian goods, services, labor, and partnerships. Companies are required to submit annual local content plans.

4. Tanzania Extractive Industries Transparency and Accountability Act (2015)

It encourages transparency in revenue collection, contracts, and ownership, and supports compliance with the EITI (Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative). Gold deposits in Tanzania

 Reasons Tanzania’s Gold Deposits Matter for Investors

1. Large Untapped Reserves

Tanzania holds over 60 million ounces in gold reserves and Major deposits in Geita, Shinyanga, Mara, Mwanza, and Mbeya are still under-explored.

2. Stable Investment Climate

Despite regulatory tightening, Tanzania maintains macroeconomic stability, supportive mining infrastructure, and a growing GDP.

3. Strategic Geographic Position

Access to ports like Dar es Salaam and proximity to regional trade blocs like the EAC and SADC make Tanzania a logistical gateway for gold exports.

4. Government-Backed Partnerships

New joint ventures and public-private mining agreements (PPMAs) reduce investor risk while aligning with national development goals.

 Investment Guides for Tanzania (2025)

For investors targeting Tanzania’s mining sector, the following guides provide essential data, legal context, and market entry steps:

1. Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) Mining Guide – 2025 Edition

Offers a step-by-step breakdown of investment registration, incentives, and mining license categories.

2. Tanzania Mining Commission Reports

Annual reports include mineral production data, legal updates, and compliance frameworks.

3. Mining Sector Investor Guide – Ministry of Minerals

Government-issued resource detailing investment procedures, ownership requirements, and taxation policies.

4. OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Mineral Supply Chains

Ideal for ethical investors. Always ensures compliance with conflict-free sourcing in the gold supply chain.

5. EITI Tanzania Transparency Reports

Offers insight into revenue sharing, community benefits, and gold export statistics to encourage transparent partnerships. Gold deposits in Tanzania

Artisanal Gold Mining and Local Trade in Tanzania

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) plays a vital role in Tanzania’s gold sector, contributing significantly to local employment and gold output. It is estimated that over 1.5 million Tanzanians are directly involved in artisanal mining, with an even greater number relying on it for indirect income through support services, local markets, and gold trade.

Where Artisanal Mining Happens

Artisanal mining is widespread across gold-rich regions such as:

• Geita
• Shinyanga
• Mwanza
• Tabora
• Singida
• Mbeya

These areas often host small, informal mining operations alongside large industrial mines. Local miners extract gold using basic tools and techniques, often working in groups or cooperatives.

Gold Trade and Local Markets

After extraction, most artisanal gold enters the local trade networks. Gold buyers, both licensed and informal, frequent mining sites to purchase raw gold or dore bars. Popular trading hubs include:

• Mwanza City. A central point for gold refining and export.
• Arusha. A commercial center for gold dealers, especially near the Kenyan border.
• Geita Town. Near major gold mines with active local trading.

Tanzania has also developed Gold Buying Centres, officially regulated trading points that aim to bring transparency, fair pricing, and traceability to the sector.

Challenges in the Artisanal Mining Sector

Despite its economic importance, the artisanal gold mining sector faces several challenges:

• Health and safety risks due to unsafe mining conditions
• Environmental degradation from mercury use and land disruption
• Limited access to financing, equipment, and training
• Regulatory compliance, as many miners operate informally or without licenses

Government Efforts and Support

To support artisanal miners, the Tanzanian government has:

• Introduced formal licensing and support cooperatives
• Launched the Mining Cadastral Portal to ease access to legal mining areas
• Promoted mercury-free mining technologies
• Encouraged local refining and value addition to gold before export

Note. Tanzania’s artisanal mining and local gold trade form the backbone of rural economies in gold-rich regions. With increasing efforts to formalize and support the sector, artisanal miners are becoming key players in the gold supply chain, contributing to both local development and national gold exports.

Challenges and Outlook for Tanzania’s Gold Deposits

Tanzania holds some of the richest gold reserves in East Africa, but the sector faces several challenges that impact both large-scale investors and small-scale miners. Despite these, the long-term outlook remains positive due to the country’s vast unexplored potential and ongoing reforms. Gold deposits in Tanzania

1. Regulatory Changes and Compliance

Tanzania has made significant changes to its mining laws in recent years, requiring mining companies to partner with the government and process minerals locally. While this protects national interests, it can create uncertainty for foreign investors, especially regarding taxation, licensing, and export rules.

2. Environmental and Safety Concerns

Both industrial and artisanal mining contribute to environmental degradation, including deforestation, soil erosion, and mercury pollution. Unsafe mining conditions, especially in artisanal sites, pose serious health and safety risks. This remains a major barrier to sustainable and responsible gold production.

3. Informal and Unregulated Artisanal Mining

Over 1 million Tanzanians are involved in small-scale mining, much of which remains unlicensed or informal. This limits access to financing, training, and technology, and makes it difficult to track gold production or enforce environmental regulations. Formalization efforts are ongoing but still in early stages.

4. Infrastructure and Technology Gaps

Although Tanzania has improved its road networks and power supply in mining areas, many rural gold-rich regions still lack modern infrastructure, mining equipment, and refining facilities. This affects productivity, increases operational costs, and reduces competitiveness in global markets.

Outlook: Strong Growth with Continued Reform

Despite these challenges, Tanzania’s gold sector shows strong long-term promise:

• Vast underexplored gold reserves remain untapped
• The government is promoting value addition and gold refining locally
• New partnerships and investment opportunities are emerging through public-private initiatives
• ASGM (artisanal and small-scale gold mining) is being formalized to improve production and traceability

With sustained reform and responsible investment, Tanzania is well-positioned to remain a top gold producer in Africa while also creating opportunities for local and international stakeholders.

Conclusion

Tanzania’s gold deposits are not only abundant but also strategically significant to the country’s economy and Africa’s mining landscape. With well-established gold belts in regions like Geita and Shinyanga, along with growing interest from both local and international investors, Tanzania remains a top destination for gold exploration and trade. Although challenges such as regulatory shifts, environmental concerns, and artisanal mining issues persist, ongoing reforms and infrastructure development indicate a promising future. Whether you’re an investor, trader, or industry observer, the opportunities within Tanzania’s gold sector are substantial and continuously evolving.