Zanzibar’s survey reveals rich minerals

ZANZIBAR: A RECENT geological survey conducted on Zanzibar has revealed significant deposits of minerals in high global demand, offering immense potential to boost the island’s economy.

According to the report inaugurated by President Hussein Mwinyi yesterday, geological survey conducted between November 2023 and March 2024, identified valuable mineral deposits on the islands of Unguja and Pemba.

“This is a milestone in our quest for economic development,” said President Mwinyi during the inauguration.

The report indicates that Zanzibar has minerals in demand globally, which can be used in the production of cement, glass, tiles, watches and aircraft components.

Among the minerals identified are those used in car engines, printing equipment, TV screens, gunpowder, eyeglass lenses and artificial limbs.

Additionally, the research uncovered various geological caves that could be developed into tourist attractions.

He praised the experts from the Zanzibar Ministry of Water, Energy and Minerals (MoWEM), who collaborated with the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) on the study.

The geological department of the University of Dodoma and the Ministry of Minerals of the United Republic of Tanzania were also involved in the study.

“As suggested by the researchers’, more detailed studies are needed to attract investors.

Nevertheless, the preliminary results are promising as we aim to position Zanzibar as a major tourist hub in East Africa,” President Mwinyi said.

He directed all relevant ministries to engage with the geological mapping report in their respective areas, in collaboration with MoWEM.

“I hope this report will serve as a catalyst for economic growth and development.

It will guide investments, generate jobs and help us improve our land use planning, including agriculture, construction, housing and disaster preparedness,” he added.

Principal Secretary of MoWEM, Mr. Joseph Kilangi and Director of Energy at MoWEM, Engineer Said Mdungi, explained that the survey aimed to produce geological maps and a comprehensive report for Zanzibar Islands.

The report provides valuable information for land use planning, including the demarcation of areas for agriculture, construction, water sources, mining, blue economy, natural reserves, tourism and geohazards.

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A total of 186 samples were collected and analysed at the Geological Survey of Tanzania Laboratory for multi-element, heavy minerals, mineralogical compositions and geotechnical studies.

Eng Mdungi presented the findings, noting that Unguja and Pemba are predominantly composed of sedimentary rocks, including limestone, coral limestone, coquina, siliceous coral limestone, sandstone, siltstone, claystone, calcareous sandstone and coral reef limestone.

“Some of these rocks have features like caves, cliffs, sandbars, islets and beaches that can be developed into tourist attractions, particularly in Unguja.

Many of these caves contain fresh water suitable for public use,” Mr Mdungi said.

However, he cautioned that these geological features are susceptible to hazards such as land subsidence and coastal floods caused by hurricanes, cyclones, or tsunamis.

MoWEM Minister Mr Shaibu Hassan Kaduara expressed gratitude to all involved in the study, which followed directives from both President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Zanzibar’s Dr Mwinyi.

He noted that further detailed exploration of heavy minerals (ilmenite and zircon) and limestone is recommended to assess their economic potential.

Minister Kaduara announced that Zanzibar will soon introduce a new minerals policy, followed by legislation and thanked development partners for their support in finalising these crucial documents.

The Minister for Minerals Mr Anthony Mavunde, commended Zanzibar for the survey, noting its potential to enhance the economic outlook for both Zanzibar and Tanzania.

He highlighted that the mining sector, which contributed 753 billion US dollars to the national economy last year, could flourish with expanded surveys and extraction efforts.