Tanzania, US firm discover a 4.03bn  year-old rock deposit

DODOMA: TANZANIA has made a significant breakthrough in geological research after the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST), in collaboration with Princeton University in the United States, identified a rock estimated to be approximately 4.03 billion years old. The discovery places Tanzania among a small number of countries with some of the oldest known rocks on Earth.

The findings indicate that the rock is one of the oldest geological formations ever identified, a milestone expected to strengthen Tanzania’s position in international research on the early history and evolution of the Earth.

Speaking on the discovery, Assistant Professor Francisco Apen of Northern Arizona University in the United States said scientific analyses confirmed that the rock is approximately 4.03 billion years old.

He said the rock, scientifically identified as Fuchsite, is located in the Simba Nguru area of Dodoma Region and possesses distinctive characteristics that set it apart from other ancient rocks previously discovered around the world.

GST’s Manager for Geological Mapping and Geology, Yusto Shine, said the discovery will deliver significant benefits to the country by promoting geotourism, enhancing the value of Tanzania’s geological heritage and attracting researchers, students and geological experts from both within and outside the country.

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He said the Simba Nguru site is expected to become an important destination for scientific research and field training, contributing to the growth of geological studies while raising Tanzania’s international profile in Earth sciences.

“This discovery opens a new chapter in geological research in Tanzania and strengthens the country’s position on the global map of Earth science research and studies on the planet’s early history,” Shine said.

Researchers involved in the study said comparisons with other ancient rock formations worldwide revealed that the Simba Nguru rock exhibits unique characteristics that have not been observed in rocks of a similar age elsewhere.

The research team is continuing detailed investigations in the Simba Nguru area to better understand the rock’s unique properties and its contribution to advancing scientific knowledge of the Earth’s earliest geological history.