By Our Correspondent, Geita
The Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) has called on small-scale miners across the country to undertake geoscientific surveys before commencing extraction activities, stressing that the practice will help them understand geological conditions, increase productivity, and avoid unnecessary financial losses.
The appeal was made on September 28, 2025, by GST’s Chief Geophysicist, Octavian Minja, when he addressed members of the Tanzania Women Miners Association (TAWOMA) during their visit to the GST pavilion at the ongoing National Mining Technology Exhibition in Bombambili, Geita Municipality.
Minja said scientific surveys are critical in guiding miners to determine where minerals are located and the quality of deposits before committing capital to extraction.
He explained that GST is equipped with modern machines to support such surveys, including magnetometers, GDD (ERT/IP) machines, and the ADEM Terrameter, which are used to detect rock properties and formations associated with mineral deposits.
“These machines provide accurate data on the direction and potential of mineral-bearing rocks, reducing risks for investors and ensuring efficiency in mining,” he said.
Minja emphasized that GST, a government institution with over a century of experience, has gathered extensive geological data from across the country, which remains a valuable national resource.
He noted that through these studies, GST has built a comprehensive archive of geoscientific information that can help miners make informed decisions.
“We have a rich collection of data that should be fully utilized by stakeholders to maximize the benefits of the mining sector,” he added.
Providing an update on the institution’s survey work, Minja revealed that GST has so far completed 16 percent of geophysical surveys, 24 percent of geochemical surveys, and 98 percent of geological surveys nationwide.
He said while progress has been made in mapping Tanzania’s geological resources, more work is needed, especially in geophysics and geochemistry, to provide a clearer picture of mineral potential.
He urged small-scale miners, who form a significant part of Tanzania’s mining sector, to embrace these scientific approaches instead of relying on guesswork, which often leads to loss of resources.
By investing in surveys and making use of GST’s services and existing data, miners would not only increase output but also contribute more effectively to the growth of the national economy.
Minja stressed that scientific mining is the key to sustainable development of the sector, assuring miners that GST remains committed to supporting them with reliable research and modern technology.