How GGML sponsored geologists’ meet raise mining sector

AT the base of volcanic Mt Meru, Arusha city in Tanzania, some might prefer to call the gateway to safari destinations and to Africa’s highest peak, 5,895m Mt Kilimanjaro, lying some 100 kilometers northeast stands unique.

To the west lies Serengeti National Park, home to wildlife including lions, rhinoceros, giraffes and leopards. Annual migrations feature huge herds of wildebeests crossing its plains.

Though mostly known as home to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Court) that complements the work of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Commission), this time it is hosting the Annual General Meeting of Tanzanian geologists.

Running from 4th October to 7th this year, in a quick analysis it is important to note that Geologists play many essential roles in the life cycle of mining.

These include technical aspects of discovery and development of ore deposits, safely and efficiently mining ore and extracting valuable minerals, and environmental protection and sustainable land use after mining.

This is because mining geologists work in all aspects of the mining industry, from exploration, to mine design, to evaluating ore quality, and to assisting in minimizing the impact of mining on the local environment. It should also be noted that Geology helps us identify and mitigate natural hazards such as earthquakes, coastal erosion, flooding, and landslides.

This time the important meeting is being sponsored by the Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML) in coordination by the Tanzania Geology Association (TGS) that has more than 300 members.

According to the Head of Geology at the GGML Company, Eric Kalondwa they provided 25m/- to sponsor the meeting that was graced by the Minister of Minerals, Dr. Dotto Biteko on behalf of the Vice-President, Dr. Philip Mpango, before closure by the Minister of Water, Juma Aweso.

Elaborating, he noted that the meeting which is held every year in different regions, this time had a total of 11 geologists from Geita region participating, where only three of them were women- a situation said was necessitated by various emergencies including maternity leaves.

“Currently we have not had many female geologists to reach 50/50 percent equality but we hope it can be achieved because in this meeting, there are new members who will be registered,” he said.

He added that the meeting is aimed at sharing experiences because there are various programmes aimed at bringing together people with similar fields.

He said that GGML employees, who are also from the field of geology have benefited in various ways since the establishment of the association.

He said this year’s meeting aims at focusing on the issue of establishing the board of geologists, especially considering that the field includes people from different areas, including oil extraction, water, different types of minerals and gold.

However, he acknowledged the challenge of lack of many women in the field-a chance they should exploit because it does not require great strength for one to meet the criteria of becoming a geologist.

“GGML is really doing well in developing geologists from practical trainees and those who come to work. Those who pass through our mine certainly praise them for the great tradition we provide them with according to the annual programmes, which we run for them,” he said.

This might attempt one to ask-who is a Geologist? For the sake of reminding students- A geologist is a scientist who studies the solid, liquid, and gaseous matter that constitutes Earth and other terrestrial planets, as well as the processes that shape them.

Geologists usually study geology, although backgrounds in physics, chemistry, biology, and other sciences are also useful. His counterpart-Geoscientists are educated and experienced experts in the fields of geology (rocks), geophysics, geochemistry, geotechnology and environmental geology and others.

Initially opening the meeting, Dr. Biteko said the ministry is in the final stages of completing the process of establishing a board of geologists, adding that, after the government completes its part, it will give an opportunity to stakeholders to express their views on how the board should be formed, how it will be managed, issues that will involve sources of funds and look at legal issues among others.

He added that, when the government finalizes the process of creating a board of geologists, it is important that geologists ensure that they develop the profession in order to give the country respect, including enabling those who are able to get accurate information and thus attract more investment in the mining sector.

Equally, he asked Geologists in the country to ensure that they honor their profession by not allowing dishonest people to interfere with their professional duties due to the importance of research activities for the development of the mining sector and the nation.

On his part, the President of the Association of Geological Experts in Tanzania, Prof. Abdulkarim Mruma explained to the audience how Tanzania is blessed with several minerals and it is upon the professionals to mine.