Dodoma Identified as Tanzania’s Mineral Powerhouse

Dodoma Emerges as a Key Mineral-Rich Zone in Tanzania

Thursday, March 27, 2025 – Dodoma

The Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) has revealed that Dodoma Region lies within a unique geological belt characterized by diverse tectonic transformations, making it the most mineral-rich region in the country.

Acting Chief Executive Officer of GST, Notka Banteze, stated during a press briefing in Dodoma on Thursday, March 27, that small-scale miners across Tanzania continue to face challenges stemming from limited knowledge of mineral processing techniques. He urged these miners to engage directly with GST for expert guidance on effective and safe mineral extraction practices.

“Many miners lack the technical know-how required to properly process the minerals they extract. As a result, they often lose value by using inappropriate chemicals not suited for the specific minerals,” Banteze emphasized.

To address these gaps, GST has intensified its educational outreach, focusing on building miners’ understanding of rock formations, sampling procedures, and scientific processing methods. The institution has published a geological map highlighting areas prone to seismic activity and landslides—regions which often overlap with mineral zones, particularly in Dodoma.

“Our educational programs for artisanal miners help them identify rock types and extract representative samples. This ensures accurate lab results that truly reflect their mining prospects,” he explained.

Banteze added that GST has expanded its advisory services to support these miners, helping them adopt scientific approaches that enhance efficiency and profitability in mineral processing. He highlighted that challenges persist primarily due to a lack of understanding of rock characteristics and how they determine the proper processing methods.

“Once you understand the composition and properties of the rock, you can apply the right scientific procedure for processing. Unfortunately, this remains a major barrier for many small-scale miners in our country,” he noted.

GST encourages miners to bring rock samples to its facilities, where comprehensive in-house laboratory analyses are conducted. These assessments provide essential data on chemical ratios and guide miners on the most efficient processing techniques for each mineral type.

Tanzania is endowed with a wide array of minerals, categorized into metallic minerals, energy minerals, industrial minerals, strategic minerals, and rare earths. Among all regions, Dodoma leads in terms of mineral diversity.

According to Banteze, Dodoma’s geological profile supports deposits of strategic minerals such as lithium, nickel, iron, uranium, copper, and helium. The region also hosts key industrial minerals used in local manufacturing, including limestone, gypsum, feldspar, clay, quartz, and kyanite.

Of particular note is the presence of Yoderite, a rare mineral currently found only in Tanzania, specifically on Mount Mautia in Kongwa District.