The Sixth Phase Government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan has intensified efforts to develop the mining sector through substantial investment in the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST), aiming to increase the sector’s contribution to national development.
Speaking to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals, Minerals Minister Anthony Mavunde said the government is taking strategic steps to strengthen geological research, a key driver for attracting investment and supporting small-scale miners.
“The firm commitment of President Samia has enabled the Ministry to implement major strategic projects, including enhancing geological surveys, which form the backbone of mining sector growth,” he said.
The government is finalising the purchase of a helicopter for geological surveys, a move expected to increase research coverage from the current 16 percent to at least 50 percent. These surveys will provide detailed information to support small-scale miners in locating mineral-rich areas.
Minister Mavunde reported progress on ongoing projects, including High-Resolution Airborne Geological Surveys (16%), Geological Mapping (97%), Geochemical Surveys (24%), and Low-Resolution Airborne Geological Surveys (100%).
He said GST remains the main source of early data that has led to the discovery of many large mines in Tanzania.
He stressed the interconnection of mining with agriculture, water, health, and industry, noting that geological surveys also help identify fertile soil, water sources, and other critical resources for sustainable development.
The minister said completing geological studies could also pave the way for local fertiliser production, reducing reliance on imports and lowering agricultural production costs.
Tanzania is also investing in modern “state-of-the-art” laboratories in Dodoma (Kizota), Geita, and Chunya to serve both local and international experts.
“These laboratories will position Tanzania as a hub for mineral laboratory services in Africa,” Mavunde said.
The government has partnered with experts from Finland and the KIGAM institute to build GST staff capacity and ensure the institution has skilled professionals with international expertise.
Deputy Minister of Minerals, Steven Kiruswa, praised the parliamentary committee for its guidance and stressed the importance of technology in mining operations, noting that GST remains the central hub for geological, mineral, and soil data in the country.
The committee’s Deputy Chair, Simon Songe, commended the Ministry for its efforts and advised GST to continue building capacity to match the sector’s growth pace.
Meanwhile, TEITI Executive Director Marium Mgaya emphasised the agency’s role in ensuring transparency and accountability in revenues from minerals, oil, and natural gas under the 2015 TEITI Act.
She pledged continued cooperation with the committee to enhance the sector’s growth and contribution to national income.
The investment demonstrates the government’s commitment to transforming Tanzania’s mining sector into a sustainable, technologically advanced, and highly productive industry.
