Tanzanians are set to benefit from a major milestone in the mining sector as the government begins constructing the country’s largest and most modern mineral sample testing laboratory, which will serve East and Central Africa.
The facility will provide fast, accurate, and reliable laboratory services to mining companies, small-scale miners, and researchers alike.
Minister of Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, laid the foundation stone for the laboratory in Kizota, Dodoma, describing it as a historic step for the sector.
“This laboratory is a gift to all Tanzanians involved in mining. It will ensure that everyone from large companies to small miners can access accurate and timely information about mineral quality. We thank President Dr. Samia S. Hassan for leading reforms that are transforming the mining sector and making history with this initiative, 100 years after the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) was established in 1925,” said Mavunde.
He added, “With modern equipment and facilities, the laboratory will improve transparency, reduce delays, and boost confidence in mineral trading. This means Tanzanian miners and investors will have reliable data to grow their businesses and secure fair value for their minerals.”
Acting CEO of GST, Dr. Notka Huruma Batenze, highlighted that the new laboratory will make services easier to access, saving time and costs for stakeholders while supporting the country’s overall economic growth.
The laboratory’s construction is estimated at TZS 14.3 billion and is expected to be completed in 690 days.
Once operational, it will be a key driver for economic opportunities, creating jobs, supporting local miners, and reinforcing Tanzania’s position as a leader in the regional mining sector.