Tanzania's mineral endowment extends beyond gold (the primary export earner) into battery-critical minerals including nickel, cobalt, and lithium. The Kabanga Nickel project in Kagera Region, controlled by Lifezone Metals (NYSE-listed), holds 58 million tonnes of nickel-cobalt-copper sulphide ore, one of the world's highest-grade undeveloped nickel deposits. Lifezone's proprietary Hydromet refining technology would produce battery-ready nickel sulphate, cobalt sulphate, and copper cathode domestically rather than exporting ore for overseas processing.
Lithium Prospectivity
Lithium pegmatite occurrences have been identified in Tanzania's Lake Victoria region and the central highlands, with Prospect Resources and Tantalex Lithium Resources conducting exploration. Tanzania's Mining Act requires that battery metal processors be established domestically as a condition of export licences, aligning with the broader African "add value before export" policy direction. Battery materials investors and offtakers evaluating East African supply can access project data and mining company contacts on intra-africa.com.
For businesses looking to expand across Africa, intra-africa.com offers a comprehensive trade directory, verified buyer and seller listings, and real-time market intelligence covering all 54 African nations. It remains an indispensable resource for anyone serious about intra-African commerce.