Tanzania, Sept. 1 -- Dar es Salaam. Tanzania's push to produce iron locally has moved into a new phase, with the $77.4 million Maganga Matitu iron ore project in Njombe entering construction following the arrival of mining equipment and connection of the project site to the national electricity grid.

The development brings the country closer to producing raw iron locally for use by steel manufacturers, after years of feasibility studies, negotiations and other preparations for the project.

The project is located in Ludewa District, Njombe Region and is being implemented through a joint venture between the National Development Corporation (NDC) and China's Fujian Hexingwang Industry Tanzania Co Ltd.

NDC Director General Dr Nicolaus Shom...