DODOMA: THE Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST)’s revenue has increased from 1.25bn/- in 2021 to 2.39bn/- last year, a remarkable achievement in revenue collection.
The increase in revenue is equivalent to 91.32 per cent, a trend that signifies that GST resolve to strengthen the mineral sector gains momentum.
This growth underscores the government’s strategic efforts to strengthen the mineral sector and boost internal revenue.
The agency has also made progress in mineral exploration, research, and economic contributions, laboratory analysis, geological mapping, and capacity building for smallscale miners.
Speaking to reporters in Dodoma on Thursday, GST Acting Executive Director, Mr Nokta Banteze, 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 said.
ALSO READ: Government: Geological survey to improve mining
Government funding for GST has also increased to 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.
