DODOMA: THE Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) has recorded significant achievements in mineral exploration, research, and economic contributions over the past four years, with notable improvements in revenue collection, laboratory analysis, geological mapping and and capacity building for small-scale miners.
Speaking to reporters in Dodoma on Thursday, GST Acting Executive Director, Mr Nokta Banteze, revealed that under the sixth-phase government, internal revenue collections surged by 91.32 per cent, from 1.25bn/- in 2021 to 2.39bn/- in 2024.
He attributed the increase to operational reforms and service improvements that enhanced GST’s efficiency.
Highlighting key achievements, he said advancements in geological, geochemical, and geophysical research have led to the identification of 44 industrial minerals.
Additionally, GST has expanded its laboratory capacity, boosting the number of tested samples by 34.4 per cent, from 19,184 in 2021 to 25,793 in 2023/2024, following investments in modern equipment.
“The expansion was made possible by acquiring advanced laboratory machines for sample analysis,” Banteze stated.
Government funding for GST has also seen a remarkable rise, reaching 110bn/- in the 2024/2025 financial year from an average of 10bn/- in 2021/2022, marking a 1,000 per cent increase.
The additional funds have been directed toward various institutional projects, including developmental initiatives.
GST’s geological mapping efforts have led to the identification of valuable mineral deposits, including gold, uranium, kaolin, limestone, clay, silica sand, heavy mineral sands, and rare earth elements in Lindi, Ruvuma, Coast Region, and parts of Dar es Salaam.
In Zanzibar, geological surveys have uncovered limestone suitable for cement production, heavy mineral sands, silica, strontium, groundwater sources, and areas with geological tourism potential.
GST has also conducted extensive studies on helium gas in Arusha, Manyara, Dodoma, Singida, and Shinyanga, confirming promising reserves in hot springs around Lake Natron and Lake Eyasi.
“These discoveries position Tanzania as a potential key player in the global helium market,” Banteze said.
To support small-scale miners, GST has trained 2,733 miners on sample collection and geological site identification.
The agency is also set to conduct an extensive airborne geophysical survey, increasing the explored land area from 16 per cent to 34 per cent, with a target of 50 per cent coverage by 2030.
Additionally, the institution has strengthened its knowledge-sharing efforts by publishing two key books—the fifth edition of Minerals Found in Tanzania and the second edition of Industrial Minerals in Tanzania—alongside updated geological maps of mineral-rich areas.
Banteze further disclosed plans to establish a state-of-the-art laboratory in Dodoma to enhance mineral sample testing and accelerate research in the mining sector. Additionally, modern laboratories and office buildings will be constructed in Geita and Mbeya to provide closer services to miners, particularly small-scale operators.
GST is also finalizing the development of a National Mineral Data Management System to facilitate the distribution of geological information to stakeholders, encouraging investment in the mining sector.
“These initiatives will greatly benefit various sectors, including mining, agriculture, water, urban planning, and infrastructure development,” a GST official said.
