Govt begins deep mineral exploration in Hanang

Hanang, Manyara

The government has begun detailed mineral exploration in Hanang District, Manyara Region, in a move expected to pave the way for the establishment of one of the country’s major gold mines.

The Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde (MP), visited Basotu Ward to inspect ongoing geophysical surveys using advanced drone technology aimed at identifying gold deposits and other mineral reserves. 

The work marks an important step toward strengthening exploration activities nationwide.

The visit follows directives issued by President Samia Suluhu Hassan during her address to Parliament on 13 October 2025, where she emphasised the prioritisation of mineral exploration from 2025 to 2030.

 The President set a national goal of expanding detailed geological surveys from the current 16 percent to at least 50 percent by 2030.

Speaking during the inspection, Minister Mavunde said the exploration marks a significant milestone for the people of Hanang and Manyara at large, noting that its outcomes are expected to stimulate local economic growth, attract investment, create jobs, and support social development projects through future mining operations.

“We expect this exploration to deliver positive results that can transform the lives of residents here. The government will continue strengthening the mining sector to ensure it remains a catalyst for shared development,” he said.

Hanang District Commissioner, Almish Hazal, thanked the minister for visiting the project site and reaffirmed the district’s commitment to supporting mineral research. 

He urged the ministry to extend exploration efforts to other areas of the district with mineral potential.

Cobra Resources Ltd CEO, Amos Nzungu, commended Minister Mavunde for his close supervision and patriotism in monitoring mining-related projects, adding that the company will promptly submit exploration results once completed.

SkyPM Solution manager, Paul Madata, whose firm is conducting the surveys, said the use of drone technology has enhanced efficiency, with the equipment capable of capturing geological data up to more than three kilometres below the earth’s surface in a relatively short time.

Earlier, the Manyara Regional Mining Officer, Engineer Godfrey Nyanda, briefed the minister on progress made in the region’s mining sector. 

He reported that by the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year (July–October), the region had collected 35.21 percent of its annual revenue target of Sh2.2 billion.

“We will continue implementing the directives of President Samia and Minister Mavunde to ensure the mining sector here in Manyara continues to grow and strengthen,” said Eng. Nyanda.