RE: "The minister is unavailable"Actually this is not a surprise nor should it be unexpected by those who look into Tanzania's socioeconomic and political situation. For many years they have struggled in the Ministry of Energy and Mining because of the issues that both sectors have. The minister William Ngeleja and Tanesco Chief William Mhando (William Mhando is in charge of Tanzanian Electric Supply Company (TANESCO)) have been battling with many problems that resulted in the Parliament of Tanzania throwing out their budget. Beginning in August they were working to establish a new budget and I believe there is still a case being made to split up the ministry.
A side problem that may come from this is an increase in the countries tax on gold production as the current amount that gold production contributes the the nations GDP has decreased from 2.5% to 2.4%. There has been a few plans put forward including a suggestion from the IMF to increase the tax on mining. They are also exploring eliminating tax exemptions on such things as importing of gas to the mine sites.
So what I am trying to say is the minister is undoubted very busy. I suspect the approval will come soon but it may be followed by a marginal increase in taxes as any developing country that sells its resources must make sure to get a fair amount to offset the time when those resources are no longer available or in demand.
Ruby will be just fine. Getting production going will definitely calm your worries.