Approval for a large-scale soda ash extraction facility at Lake Natron has been denied by the Tanzanian government, blocking industrial activity in one of East Africa’s most ecologically sensitive areas. It was announced in August 2025 by Deputy Minister for Minerals, Stephen Kiruswa, that no licence for industrial mining would be issued. It was confirmed that only small-scale, traditional collection of soda ash along the shoreline would be permitted and that no large-scale extraction would be authorised within the Ramsar site.
Under the glare of northern Tanzania’s drylands, Lake Natron stretches across a stark landscape of alkaline waters and salt flats. Though austere in appearance, it functions as one of East Africa’s most significant ecological sites. Natron is the only consistent breeding ground for Lesser Flamingos on the continent, supporting between 1.5 and 2.5 million birds, around three-quarters of the global population. More than 300 bird species, along with specialised fish, algae, and vegetation, are also sustained by the lake. Its international importance was formally recognised in 2001 when it was designated a Ramsar wetland.
Plans by Ngaresero Valley Company Ltd, introduced in early 2025, aimed to produce up to one million tonnes of soda ash annually, beginning with 660,000 tonnes of refined product. Conservationists and communities warned that the project would require extensive freshwater diversion, disrupt the lake’s hydrology, and damage flamingo nesting grounds. Land requirements of at least 45,000 hectares for pumps, pipelines, and a processing facility also raised concerns of displacement.
It was stated by elders that no land of such scale was available, and that the project would dismantle livelihoods and uproot families. In Engaresero, where tourism tied to flamingo colonies supports schools and health services, it was warned by community leaders that the mining plans threatened both economic stability and social welfare.
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Scientific assessments reinforced these concerns. It was noted by Nature Tanzania that water diversions from rivers such as the Ewaso Ng’iro would alter the lake’s chemistry and undermine ecological processes on which flamingos and other species depend. It was emphasised by the organisation’s executive director, Emmanuel Mgimwa, that tourism revenues across the region would also be weakened if such disruption occurred.
Unlike in 2006, when international advocacy halted a similar proposal—the 2025 project was met with immediate mobilisation from within the nine villages bordering the lake. From May through July, 17 community meetings were convened under the banner “Our Lake, Our Life.” It was expressed by elders, pastoralists, and leaders that Natron is central to livelihoods and cultural identity and cannot be sacrificed for extractive industry.
The government’s rejection was welcomed by conservation organisations, though the decision was described as provisional. Commitments were made by Nature Tanzania to maintain ecological monitoring, expand ecotourism, and train young people as guides to strengthen local livelihoods. It was also indicated that collaborations with universities and conservation groups would be advanced to support research and education.
Even with the project blocked, risks remain. Climate variability, flooding, and industrial expansion in the wider region continue to threaten the lake’s stability. Conservationists have stressed that only sustained oversight will secure its long-term future.
The Natron case reflects recurring tensions across Africa, where extractive projects often collide with ecological and community priorities. Similar debates have been recorded over oil projects in Uganda’s Albertine Rift and mining in Ghana’s forests.
In this instance, the government’s stance favoured ecological preservation and community well-being. For now, Lake Natron’s ecological role has been maintained, ensuring that both flamingo populations and surrounding communities remain protected.
