Tanzania is stepping up efforts to better predict and manage geological hazards through a new international research project on Mount Oldoinyo Lengai Africa’s only active natrocarbonatite volcano.
The Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST), in collaboration with scientists from Germany’s Goethe University, has begun an advanced study aimed at understanding the inner workings of the volcano and improving early warning systems for communities living in the Natron area and beyond.
Dr. Ronald Massawe, Director of Geological Services at GST, said the project is part of Tanzania’s broader mission to strengthen scientific capacity in disaster preparedness and environmental safety.
“This research is not only about studying a unique volcano it’s about protecting lives and livelihoods,” said Dr. Massawe.
“By improving our understanding of how Oldoinyo Lengai behaves, we are building stronger systems to predict and respond to natural geological threats.”
Mount Oldoinyo Lengai, which rises 2,962 meters above sea level, is the only volcano in the world that emits natrocarbonatite lava a rare type that cools rapidly and turns into fine dust that can affect human and animal health when inhaled.
As part of the project, 32 seismic monitoring stations have been installed across the mountain in a north-west to south-east alignment, including sensors on its flanks and lower slopes.
The network will record ground vibrations linked to both volcanic movement and natural shifts along the East African Rift Valley.
According to Dr. Massawe, the data will provide critical insights into magma flow, underground rock structures, and patterns that could signal early signs of eruption.
“The knowledge gained will help improve Tanzania’s readiness to handle geological events and reduce their impact on communities,” he explained.
The last eruption of Mount Oldoinyo Lengai occurred between July 2007 and 2008, spreading ash over a radius of 10 kilometers and causing livestock deaths, grazing land damage, and eye irritation among residents as far as 70 kilometers away.
Dr. Massawe said the current study also focuses on training and empowering Tanzanian scientists to lead future geological research. “We are investing in our own experts,” he emphasized.
“This project strengthens our capacity to monitor, analyze, and respond to geological hazards using world-class scientific tools.”
The research team includes Dr. Ronald Massawe and Gabriel Mbogoni from GST, and a group of scientists from Goethe University Prof. Georg Rumpker, Dr. Ayoub Kaviani, Christoph Locker, and Ms. Kamila Diaz.
For years, GST has played a central role in monitoring and researching geological hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, and ground subsidence, often working with global partners.
The Oldoinyo Lengai study represents a new phase of collaboration designed to turn science into actionable solutions for public safety.
“Mount Oldoinyo Lengai is not just a symbol of Tanzania’s natural beauty it’s also a key to understanding the forces that shape our land,” said Dr. Massawe.
“By investing in this kind of research, we are safeguarding both our people and our future.”he added