Tanzania Withdraws Mining Licences: Baptiste Rigaudeau Speaks to RFI
Baptiste Rigaudeau, partner at Leadup Avocats was interviewed by Radio France Internationale (RFI) on 20 April 2026 as part of the broadcaster’s coverage of Tanzania’s revocation of 40 mining licences. He provided legal and economic analysis of the decision and its implications for companies operating in the sector.
A regulatory crackdown in context
The Tanzanian government recently announced the revocation of 40 mining licences, accusing the affected companies of failing to develop their concessions within the legally mandated 18-month timeframe. According to Minister of Mines Anthony Mavunde, idle licences represent a direct loss of revenue for a country determined to capitalise on the global mining boom.
Baptiste Rigaudeau’s analysis
Speaking to RFI, Baptiste Rigaudeau offered a nuanced perspective, highlighting the operational and financial realities facing mining companies.
He also contextualised the decision within the broader drive by African states to capture greater value from their natural resources: “The gold price has surged over the past three years. When you see the race in Africa for critical materials needed for the energy transition, states can see that operators are coming because they are legitimately interested in developing and making money from resource development. So it is also entirely legitimate that states want their share of the revenues that flow from it.”
What does this mean for investors?
Tanzania’s move reflects a wider trend: African states, buoyed by high commodity prices and surging demand for critical minerals (graphite, nickel, cobalt), are tightening their grip on natural resource governance. For mining companies active in Africa, or considering entry, this evolution calls for heightened attention to:
- Strict compliance with statutory development timelines
- Early-stage financing planning for project development phases
- Proactive engagement with local authorities when operational difficulties arise
- Contract structuring that reflects local regulatory requirements
Leadup Avocats: your partner in African mining
Leadup Avocats supports companies and investors across all stages of mining operations in Africa — from acquiring mineral titles and structuring complex projects to managing relationships with governments and regulatory authorities. Contact us to discuss your projects.
Read the full interview with Baptiste Rigaudeau on the RFI website: Tanzania revokes dozens of mining licences — RFI, 20 April 2026
About Baptiste Rigaudeau A partner at Leadup Avocats, Baptiste Rigaudeau has extensive experience in mining law and business law in Africa. He advises mining companies, investment funds, and states on extractive projects and related dispute resolution across the continent.