PRELIMINARY research findings in the Nyerere National Park and the Selous Game Reserve show the existence of various minerals, including gold, uranium, kaolin, limestone, clay, silica sand, elephant tusks, rare metals and construction sand.

Notka Banteze, the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) acting executive director, told reporters here yesterday that a geological survey and mapping of Zanzibar executed by the GST and the Minerals Research Institute has revealed the presence of high-quality limestone suitable for cement production.

The discovery marks a significant milestone in the nation’s mineral exploration and offers tremendous potential for the country’s cement industry in particular for Zanzibar, she said.

Explaining the institutions’ work during the past four years, she said that geological surveys on the archipelago had not been previously conducted but were completed during this period.

The survey uncovered large deposits of limestone, which could play a pivotal role in boosting the production of cement – a key material for infrastructure development and industrial growth, she stated.

The finding has sparked enthusiasm among industry experts, as it could lead to greater self-sufficiency in cement production and reduce the need for imports, strengthening the local economy.

“It will enhance the country’s industrial capabilities and meet the growing demand for cement in construction projects across Tanzania,” she said, underlining that limestone is a critical raw material in cement manufacturing. The local sources could significantly reduce production costs for Tanzanian cement companies, she asserted.

The archipelago also has other valuable mineral resources, including silica minerals, strontium and groundwater sources, locating a number of spots with potential for geological tourism, the director noted, optimistic that the discovery of these mineral resources would help position Zanzibar as a key player in the region’s cement production industry.

The minerals survey in Arusha, Manyara, Dodoma, Singida and Shinyanga regions identified hot springs suitable for further exploration in areas such as Lake Natron and Lake Eyasi in Arusha, Masware-Babati, areas in Kondoa, Tarkwa and Gonga in Dodoma, along with Ibadakuli in Shinyanga.

Furthermore, GST completed geological and geochemical surveys aimed at identifying mineral veins in Kiteto, Chemba and Chamwino districts, which led to the discovery of limestone deposits.

“GST also completed a special geological, geophysical and geochemical survey in the areas of small-scale miners in Biharamulo District, Kagera Region, which revealed the presence of kaolin minerals,” she elaborated.

Other achievements noted was the increase in the number of samples being analysed, which grew from 19,184 samples in 2021 to 25,793 samples in 2023/24, rising by more than a third, she said.

Looking ahead to 2025/26, GST plans to conduct an in-depth geophysical survey using aircraft to increase the proportion of the country covered by this survey from the current 16 percent to 34 percent.

“We are preparing for the acquisition of the helicopter, which will speed up geophysical surveys. These surveys are vital in understanding the characteristics of rocks and other resources beneath the earth’s surface, including minerals and water,” she stated.

In addition, GST plans to construct a state-of-the-art laboratory in Dodoma to enhance the analysis of mineral samples in the country, boosting research activities and promoting the growth of the mining sector, she added.