Tanzanite hunt moves beyond Mirerani wall

MANYARA: MIRERANI’S Tanzanite mining frontier could expand beyond the existing wall as a new scientific exploration programme seeks to establish whether the gemstone-bearing geological formations continue into surrounding areas.

The initiative could open new mining areas and expand opportunities for small-scale miners, particularly if further investigations confirm the presence of additional Tanzanite deposits.

The exercise, covering 636 square kilometres inside and outside the Mirerani Controlled Area in Simanjiro District, Manyara Region, will use advanced geological technologies to identify underground structures associated with the rare gemstone before confirmatory drilling is undertaken.

Launching the programme yesterday, Minister for Minerals, Mr Anthony Mavunde, said the initiative was aimed at addressing declining Tanzanite production by replacing speculative excavation with scientific exploration that would give miners more reliable information on potential mineral deposits.

“Science must be answered by science. We want small-scale miners to know where the minerals are instead of digging blindly and losing their time and capital,” he said.

Mr Mavunde said preliminary assessments had identified geological structures outside the perimeter wall with characteristics similar to formations associated with existing Tanzanite mining areas.

He said the findings had prompted the government to commission detailed investigations to establish whether the structures contained economically viable Tanzanite deposits.

The Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) will lead the exercise, beginning with magnetic, electrical and electromagnetic surveys to identify promising underground geological formations.

The findings will guide the selection of priority locations for drilling, with the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) expected to deploy specialised equipment to undertake confirmatory exploration.

Mr Mavunde cautioned that the presence of Tanzanite in the newly identified areas could only be established after the surveys and subsequent drilling.

He said successful confirmation of additional deposits could pave the way for opening new mining zones and issuing licences to more Tanzanians, particularly women, young people and smallscale mining groups.

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“This initiative followed my August visit to Mirerani, where I met miners, traders and other stakeholders and directed experts to investigate the challenges affecting Tanzanite availability and production,” the minister said.

GST Executive Director, Engineer Ally Samaje, said the institution had reviewed existing geological information, previous research findings and highresolution geophysical data to identify structures requiring further investigation.

“Some of the identified formations outside the wall displayed geological characteristics similar to those associated with Tanzanitebearing zones currently being mined,” he said.

Mr Samaje urged miners and residents to cooperate with researchers by providing access to relevant geological information and rock exposures to support the exercise.

Simanjiro District Commissioner, Mr Fakii Lulandala, said the programme could create new economic opportunities for miners, mineral traders and communities whose livelihoods depend on mining.

Alongside the Tanzanite exercise, Mr Mavunde urged small-scale miners to explore other gemstone opportunities in Simanjiro, particularly Tsavorite and Green Garnet, which are already being mined in the Lemshuku area.

He directed GST to undertake further investigations to establish the extent of mineralised formations in the area and identify additional opportunities for gemstone mining.

“The wider objective is to improve access to reliable geological information, reduce exploration risks and enable more Tanzanians to participate in the country’s mineral economy,” Mr Mavunde said.

The government is preparing another highresolution airborne geophysical survey covering approximately 160,722 square kilometres, equivalent to about 18 per cent of the country, to expand geological information available for mineral development.

He said the programme was supported by President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to allocate 10 per cent of mining-sector collections to mineral exploration, with Mirerani among the priority areas.

Beyond exploration, the government is preparing measures to strengthen the Tanzanite trade, including addressing challenges affecting traders, brokers, pricing and access to international markets. Mr Mavunde said the proposals would be discussed with Mirerani stakeholders before decisions were made.