Modern mineral lab project kicks off
GEITA: CONSTRUCTION of a stateof-the-art mineral research and analysis laboratory worth 3.5bn/- has begun in Geita Region, marking a major step in empowering artisanal miners in the Lake Zone and boosting the mining sector’s contribuContractors award Samia tion to the national economy.
The project is among three modern laboratories approved by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to strengthen scientific research and mineral analysis. Another facility will be built in Chunya, Mbeya, while the largest, with international standards, will be established in Dodoma.
During an inspection tour of the project on Thursday, Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde said the laboratories will be equipped with cutting-edge technology to ease operations for small-scale miners.
“These laboratories will become pillars for scientific analysis of mineral samples, increase efficiency for artisanal miners and reduce the costs and inconvenience of travelling long distances for such services,” he said.
According to the Minister, the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) remains the backbone of mineral research, and the Geita facility will accelerate mining in the Lake Zone, which leads in mineral production, covering Geita, Mbogwe, Kagera, Mwanza, Kahama, Mara and Shinyanga.
“In the last financial year alone, the mining sector collected 328bn/- in revenue from Geita, proving this region’s immense contribution to the national economy. That is why the government decided to make this investment here,” he said.
Geita Regional Commissioner Martin Shigella said the laboratory will significantly cut costs and time for residents who previously had to travel as far as Dodoma to access similar services.
Meanwhile, the government has announced the start of compensation for residents of Nyakabale and Nyamalembo wards in Geita Municipality to pave the way for gold extraction at Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML). The step resolves a land dispute that has lasted more than 26 years.
Minister Mavunde said the government under President Samia has been following up closely on the residents’ challenges and has issued directives to ensure lasting solutions.
“I sincerely thank the people for your patience of more than two decades. Today we are ending this dispute because your government cares, and our President has been at the forefront of ensuring citizens receive their rights without unnecessary obstacles,” he said.
He further said that GGML has agreed to begin compensation for affected residents in accordance with procedures. Starting yesterday, August 22, 2025, government experts began property valuation, an exercise which is expected to be completed within 40 days to enable prompt payments.
The minister further said that the dispute had 13 core issues, of which 10 were resolved within one year and three months. Yesterday’s announcement, he said, marked the resolution of two more.
In addition, GGML has agreed to adjust its mining license boundaries and surrender part of the land for the benefit of residents.
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“I commend all leaders involved, particularly Geita Regional Commissioner Martin Shigella and the special taskforce that handled this matter with great efficiency,” Mr Mavunde said.
