Mavunde orders GST to work closely with small-scale miners, provide them accurate geological information

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DODOMA: THE Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde has directed officials from the Geological Survey Tanzania (GST) to leave their offices and work directly with small-scale miners to support their mining activities and provide them with accurate geological information.

The directive is part of the government’s strategy to expand detailed mineral exploration across the country to identify new areas with mineral resources, attract investment and reduce reliance on speculative mining.

Mavunde issued the directive today, August 27, 2026, in Dodoma during the inauguration of the new GST Board.

He said that as Tanzania works towards achieving a US$1tri US dollar economy, GST is expected to conduct geological surveys covering 50,000 square kilometres within 20 Quarter Degree Sheets (QDS), equivalent to five percent of the country’s total area.

Mavunde also directed the GST Board to oversee and provide guidance on exploration activities covering 23 QDS, with the aim of increasing the country’s available mineral-resource data from the current 16 percent to 21 percent by 2030.

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The Minister further instructed the GST Board to ensure that its experts adopt modern technological systems for managing geoscientific data.

He said the use of modern technology was necessary to keep pace with global technological developments and ensure that geological information is accessible in a timely and accurate manner.

Mavunde said strengthening geological research and improving access to reliable mineral-resource data would help Tanzania identify new investment opportunities and support more informed decision-making in the mining sector.

The initiative is also expected to provide small-scale miners with better geological information, enabling them to improve their mining operations and reduce the risks associated with mining without adequate geological data.