Every stone has value, and its contribution extends beyond jewelry to national development and modern technology, according to Geologist Godfrey Keraka from the Office of the Resident Mineral Officer in Mara Region.
Speaking at the International Mining Technology Exhibition in Geita, Keraka said the mining sector contributes 10.1 percent to Tanzania’s GDP, underscoring its importance as both an economic pillar and a national heritage that requires sustainable management.
He explained that different minerals have wide-ranging uses across industries. Gemstones such as amethyst, rose quartz and quartz are used to produce valuable ornaments, while iron remains fundamental for infrastructure, automobile manufacturing, shipbuilding and heavy machinery.
Copper is critical for electrical wiring, feldspar is widely applied in tiles and decorative items, and pyrite plays a role in fertilizers, ornaments and sulfuric acid production.
Keraka added that coal continues to be an important source of energy, whereas gold and silver are regarded as highly valuable minerals because of their role in financial reserves, jewelry, coins and electronics.
He described graphite and lithium as strategic resources driving the production of batteries and energy storage systems, which are central to the global shift towards renewable energy.
“The message to citizens is clear: every stone has significant value,” he said. “Rocks and minerals are a national heritage that must be preserved and used responsibly for the benefit of both present and future generations.”
Keraka’s remarks reflect broader government efforts to highlight the mining sector’s role in economic transformation and industrial growth, positioning Tanzania not only as a source of raw materials but also as a participant in global technological progress.