Mining chemical imports soar as GCLA bolsters regional trade

Dar es Salaam. The modernization and improvement of the Tanga and Dar es Salaam ports have attracted a surge in the importation and trade of strategic chemicals used in the mining sector, both in Tanzania and neighbouring countries.

Chemicals such as ammonium nitrate, sulphur, and sodium cyanide, which are essential in mineral extraction and processing, have seen sharp increases in demand across Tanzania, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The revelation was made on Thursday, July 10, 2022, by the Government Chemist Laboratory Authority (GCLA) during a press briefing involving senior journalists from different media organisations in the country.

Addressing a press conference, the government's Chief Chemist, Dr Fidelice Mafumiko, highlighted the Authority’s key achievements over the past four years under the Sixth Phase Government.

He said imports of ammonium nitrate—used in blasting during mining operations—had increased by 241 percent, from 135,445 tonnes in 2021/22 to over 460,000 tonnes by June 2025.

“The Authority has facilitated the routing of more than 80 percent of ammonium nitrate imports through Tanga Port, thereby enhancing the value of the government’s investment in expanding and modernising the port,” said Dr Mafumiko.

Similarly, he said Sulphur imports, widely used in copper mining in Zambia and the DRC, rose by 370 percent, from 397,000 tonnes in 2021/22 to nearly 1.9 million tonnes by June this year.

Furthermore, he said sodium cyanide—a critical chemical for gold extraction—also saw a rise by 52 percent, from 41,000 tonnes to over 63,000 tonnes, mostly imported via Dar es Salaam Port.

He attributed the growth to improved infrastructure in Dar es Salaam and Tanga ports, as well as strengthened regional trade ties.

“President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, along with GCLA’s continued public education efforts, has encouraged wider compliance with chemical management regulations among stakeholders,” he noted.

GCLA’s Director of Regulatory Services, Mr Daniel Ndiyo, added that the increased importation of industrial chemicals has created more employment opportunities and generated higher tax revenues.

“More tonnage means more jobs for truck drivers, greater port activity, and easier access to essential mining chemicals. These developments collectively support economic growth,” he said.

Dr Mafumiko also underscored GCLA’s role in monitoring the import and transportation of hazardous and controlled chemicals, in line with international agreements intended to protect public health, the environment, and national security.

According to him, the number of chemical import permits issued has risen by 40 percent, from around 40,000 in 2020/21 to over 67,000 in the 2024/25 fiscal year.

“This rise reflects the government’s success in fostering a stable business environment, growing awareness of legal frameworks, and the implementation of digital systems for permit and registration applications,” he said.

Laboratory services at GCLA have also expanded, with the number of samples tested increasing from 156,000 in 2021/22 to 188,000 in 2023/24, representing a 21 percent rise.

Between July 2024 and May 2025 alone, GCLA tested over 175,000 samples, achieving 92 percent of its annual target.

This surge in testing demand has been attributed to growing public awareness, improved service delivery, and closer collaboration with key institutions, including the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA), Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), the Police, Occupational Safety and Health Authority (Osha), National Environment Management Council (NEMC), and various health facilities.

Dr Mafumiko noted that continued investment in modern equipment, digital transformation, stakeholder training, and internationally accredited laboratory services has been instrumental in achieving these milestones.

Despite the notable progress, he cautioned that GCLA still faces challenges, including rapid changes in science and technology and legal compliance gaps among some stakeholders.

“The Authority must keep pace with global advancements in laboratory technology while ensuring that all actors fully understand and observe legal requirements surrounding chemical management,” he said.

Going forward, GCLA plans to further strengthen its laboratory systems by investing in state-of-the-art equipment to meet the evolving demands of science, industry, and public safety.