Tanzania's government has announced a major mineral exploration initiative funded by domestic revenues, according to the Minerals Minister Anthony Mavunde. The project follows a strategic decision by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to require that 10 per cent of non-tax revenues collected by the mining sector be allocated to geoscientific research.
The government will conduct high-resolution airborne geophysical surveys across the country as part of implementing the Mining Sector Vision 2030. According to the minister, only 16 per cent of Tanzania's total land area has undergone detailed geophysical surveys, leaving 84 per cent largely unexplored using the technology. The government aims to increase the surveyed area to at least 50 per cent by 2030.
The surveys will provide accurate scientific data to guide mineral exploration and help investors identify areas with promising mineral deposits, Mr Mavunde said. He noted that small-scale miners have been losing capital due to lack of scientific information. The Geological Survey of Tanzania will use the research to obtain extensive and accurate geoscientific information.
Simon Songe, Vice-Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals, commended the government for committing domestic resources to the research programme. He said the move would reduce dependence on external funding while strengthening Tanzania's control over strategic geological data and helping small-scale miners make informed investment decisions.