Mkuju Uranium Project to make Tanzania among largest producers of uranium globally

NAMTUMBO: THE Mkuju River Uranium Project located in Namtumbo District, Ruvuma Region is expected to make Tanzania one of the largest producers of uranium in the world, with an estimated contribution of about 4 percent of the world’s uranium production once it reaches the production stage. Speaking about the progress of the project, the Mkuju River Project Manager, Beria Vorster, said preparations for the implementation of the project are progressing rapidly and that the project is of great importance in meeting the world’s clean energy needs. “The Mkuju River Project is among the largest uranium projects in Africa. When production begins, it is expected to contribute about 4 per cent of the world’s uranium production, which will place Tanzania in an important position in the international market for these minerals,” said Vorster. ALSO READ: Dr Samia banks on skilled, disciplined and educated youth to develop Tanzania According to the World Nuclear Association (WNA), in 2024, global uranium production was led by Kazakhstan with 39 per cent, followed by Canada with 24 per cent and Namibia with 12 per cent. Uzbekistan contributed about 7 per cent, while Russia contributed between 4 and 5 percent of global production. Thus, the estimated contribution of the Mkuju River Project to 4 percent of global uranium production could place Tanzania among the top 10 countries in uranium production in the world once the project begins commercial production. He explained that the uranium produced in Tanzania will not be associated in any way with the production of nuclear weapons but will be used to produce clean energy used in nuclear power plants around the world. Vorster said Tanzania is a member of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), a situation that sets firm foundations to ensure that the use of uranium minerals is in line with the goals of peace and sustainable development. “Uranium from Tanzania will be used in the production of clean and safe energy. The Tanzanian government and international institutions have strong management and monitoring systems to ensure that these minerals are used for their intended purposes only,” Vorster stressed. He added that at a time when the world is moving towards the use of low-carbon energy sources, nuclear energy has continued to be given priority as part of the solution to the challenges of climate change and increasing electricity demand. Speaking about the benefits of the project to the citizens, he said the project is expected to generate more than 1,000 direct jobs once it begins its production activities at full scale, along with thousands of indirect jobs through the provision of services to the project. He said the company has started early to prepare human resources from areas surrounding the project to ensure that the citizens of the relevant area are part of the success of the project. “Already 100 youth from villages surrounding the project have been trained in the operation of various machines used in mining and processing activities. Of these, 10 youth have already been employed by the project, and this program will continue to prepare more professionals who will be needed during the full implementation of the project,” said Vorster. He added that the strategy aims to increase the participation of Tanzanians in project activities and ensure that skills and technology are transferred to the people of the relevant areas. For his part, the Resident Mining Officer of Ruvuma Region, Eng. Alphonce Bikulamchi, said that in addition to direct employment, the project will open hundreds of other opportunities in the sectors of transportation, food services, trade, construction, accommodation and other services related to mining activities. “This project is a major catalyst for the development of the Ruvuma Region. In addition to the revenue generated for the government, the people will benefit through employment, increased economic activities, and growth of businesses surrounding the project,” said Eng. Bikulamchi. Considering the size of its reserves, its contribution to global uranium production, as well as the employment and investment opportunities that will be generated, the Mkuju River Project is cited as one of the strategic projects that can transform Tanzania into an important center for uranium production for the use of clean energy in the world. The post Mkuju Uranium Project to make Tanzania among largest producers of uranium globally first appeared on Daily News . The post Mkuju Uranium Project to make Tanzania among largest producers of uranium globally appeared first on Daily News .