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Chinese Firms to Build Gold Smelter, Refineries in Tanzania

Reuters

   DAR ES SALAAM - Tanzania said on Wednesday it had awarded licenses for
   the construction of a mineral smelter and two gold refineries to
   Chinese firms, as part of government efforts to generate more revenues
   from the nation's mining industry.

   Minerals Minister Doto Biteko said the Chinese companies would also
   soon be awarded licenses for mines, each of which would require
   investment worth more than $100 million.

   He did not name the firms or give details about the mining or other
   projects in the East African nation, Africa's fourth-biggest gold
   producer after South Africa, Ghana and Mali.

   President John Magufuli banned the export of mineral sand in March
   2017, a concentrate that contains silver, copper, gold and other
   minerals, sparking a $190 billion tax dispute with Acacia Mining, which
   already has mining operations in Tanzania.

   The government invited bids from mining firms to build smelters and
   refineries, although Tanzania's chamber of mines has said such projects
   would not be economical.

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