By: ESI Africa

The project announced recently is being driven by Mantra Tanzania (a subsidiary of Uranium One Group, part of Rosatom) which commissioned the pilot uranium processing facility.

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, government officials, local community leaders and representatives from Rosatom organisations attended the facility’s inauguration. 

Strengthening Tanzania-Russia ties

This milestone symbolises the strengthening of Russia-Tanzania cooperation in the field of nuclear energy, said Rosatom.

“Rosatom offers its cutting-edge uranium processing technologies to develop distinctive geological potential of Tanzania. As with all our partners, we intend to advance cooperation with the country on the basis of equality and mutual understanding. 

“In doing so, Rosatom consistently adheres to the principles of sustainable development while strictly upholding high environmental and social standards. We are delighted to assist Tanzania in taking a pivotal step toward integrating into the global nuclear energy landscape,” said Alexey Likhachev, Rosatom Director-General.

Located at the Nyota deposit, the pilot facility will test uranium processing technologies and develop optimisation solutions as needed. 

The data gathered will underpin the design of the main processing facility, which is planned to have an annual production capacity of up to 3,000 tons of uranium. 

Uranium project slated to create thousands of jobs in Tanzania

The main facility’s construction is slated to begin in the first quarter of 2026, with operations expected to commence in 2029. 

The project’s full-scale development is projected to create around 4,000 new jobs across Tanzania’s mining sector and associated industries, said Rosatom. 

“Additionally, the project will contribute significantly to the development of regional infrastructure, including upgrades to the road network in the Namtumbo district.

“The project fully adheres to Tanzanian and international environmental standards, employing an advanced environmental protection system featuring real-time ecosystem monitoring, closed-loop water recirculation, and biodiversity conservation initiatives.”

Rosatom said this Russia–Tanzania collaboration exemplifies how responsible resource development – leveraging cutting-edge technology and steadfast environmental commitments – can catalyse economic transformation, stimulate regional infrastructure development, improve quality of life and enhance the welfare of local communities.