DODOMA, April 15 -- THE MINISTER of Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, has directed the Minerals Commission to cancel a total of 40 mineral exploration licenses that have failed to develop the licenses to strengthen the management of mineral resources and remove owners who do not comply with the terms of the licenses.

Mavunde also warned that the government would not tolerate negligence that hindered the development of the mining sector and the economy in general.

Minister Mavunde announced the decision today in Dodoma while speaking to journalists, explaining that the licenses have been cancelled after their owners failed to develop them despite being given error letters and time to correct the defects identified and that they will be returned...