Mirerani. The government has launched a geological survey covering 636 square kilometres in Mirerani to identify additional Tanzanite-bearing formations and create opportunities for increased production by small-scale miners.
The survey which began yesterday, will cover areas both inside and beyond the perimeter wall of the Mirerani Controlled Area, following directives issued by Minerals Minister Anthony Mavunde during his visit to the mining area in August.
Launching the programme, Mr Mavunde said the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) would conduct magnetic, electrical and electromagnetic surveys to identify promising geological structures before the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) deploys drilling equipment to establish whether they contain commercially viable Tanzanite deposits.
He said the initiative was intended to provide miners with reliable geological information to guide investment decisions, particularly as mining operations increasingly extend to deeper underground levels.
‘A scientific question must be answered by science,’ Mr Mavunde said, emphasising the government’s commitment to ensuring small-scale miners have accurate geological data before committing capital, equipment and labour.
He said GST had already reviewed existing geological information, previous survey findings and recent data, identifying several structures requiring further investigation.
GST Director Ally Samaje said the survey would combine different geophysical techniques to establish the characteristics and extent of rock formations associated with Tanzanite mineralisation. Some of the identified structures extend beyond the Mirerani Controlled Area and have geological characteristics similar to those of formations currently being mined. However, Mr Mavunde cautioned that the presence of Tanzanite in the areas could only be confirmed after the completion of geophysical surveys and subsequent drilling.
He directed STAMICO to deploy its drilling rigs and begin testing priority targets as they are identified by GST.
The minister said confirmation of additional mineralised areas could pave the way for opening new mining zones and expanding licensing opportunities for Tanzanians, particularly women and young people.
Simanjiro District Commissioner Fakii Lulandala said the programme could stimulate economic activity in Mirerani and the wider district by creating opportunities for small-scale miners, mineral traders and communities whose livelihoods depend on mining.
He pledged the district administration’s cooperation with institutions under the Ministry of Minerals to ensure effective implementation and that local communities benefit from the initiative.
Beyond Tanzanite, Mr Mavunde urged miners to diversify into other gemstones found in Simanjiro, particularly Tsavorite and Green Garnet, which he said offered significant commercial opportunities.
He noted that some varieties of the two gemstones command higher market prices than Tanzanite, presenting an opportunity for miners to broaden their investments instead of concentrating mainly on the country’s internationally recognised gemstone.
At Lemshuku, where small-scale miners are already producing Tsavorite and Green Garnet, Mr Mavunde directed GST to undertake further geological investigations to establish the extent of mineralised formations and identify opportunities for increasing production.
He said Tanzania’s gemstone potential should not be measured by Tanzanite alone, adding that diversifying production could create additional centres of mining, trading and investment across Simanjiro.
The Mirerani initiative forms part of the government’s broader efforts to accelerate geological exploration and improve the country’s understanding of its mineral resources.
Mr Mavunde said geological mapping had covered about 97 percent of Tanzania, while geochemical surveys had reached 84 percent and preliminary airborne geophysical surveys 100 percent. However, high-resolution geophysical surveys had covered only about 16 percent of the country.
The government is preparing another high-resolution airborne geophysical survey covering approximately 160,722 square kilometres, equivalent to about 18 percent of the country’s land area, to improve the availability of detailed geological information.
He said the expanded exploration programme was being supported by President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to allocate 10 percent of mining-sector collections to mineral exploration.
Mirerani has been prioritised under the initiative, with the government seeking to use scientific findings to increase Tanzanite production and widen opportunities for small-scale miners.
Mr Mavunde said the government was also preparing measures to strengthen the Tanzanite trade, including addressing concerns affecting mineral traders, brokers, pricing and access to international markets.
He said the proposals would be discussed with stakeholders in Mirerani before decisions were made, emphasising the importance of involving players across the mineral value chain.
Small-scale miners in the area thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for government measures aimed at strengthening the mining sector, saying improved geological information could help them make better investment decisions and identify new mining opportunities.
The government is also promoting domestic gemstone cutting, polishing and other value-addition activities to ensure the country retains a greater share of the value generated from its mineral resources before they reach international markets.
Under the Mirerani programme, GST will identify priority geological targets, while STAMICO will undertake drilling to confirm mineralisation. The findings will inform decisions on whether mining activities can be extended to additional areas.