In a groundbreaking initiative, the government has embarked on a pioneering effort to harness drone technology for mineral research in the Mtwara region, focusing on four key minerals: graphite, nickel, iron, and titanium.
The primary objective of this endeavor is to enhance knowledge about natural resources and streamline the mining process in Tanzania. Mr. Anthony Mavunde, the Minister for Minerals, underscored the lack of mineral information among Tanzanians, which often leads to wasted time and resources for mining investors.
Aligned with its Mining Vision 2030, the ministry aims to survey at least 50 percent of the land for its mineral potential. To facilitate this ambitious research, the ministry has introduced drone-based exploration to provide comprehensive insights into the country's mineral wealth.
The research is concentrated in the village of Utimbe, situated in the Lupaso ward of Masasi district in Mtwara region. Mr. Mavunde emphasized that Tanzania currently possesses detailed information on only 16 percent of rock and mineral lands, a limitation that has hampered mining activities.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, during her visits to Mtwara, directed the strengthening of in-depth research to obtain indicators of mineral rocks, guiding Tanzanians in adhering to proper mining procedures. Mr. Mavunde stressed the importance of reducing the loss of capital and time in exploration efforts.
The government has initiated comprehensive and scientific research on mining, aiming to cover 50 percent of the land to identify the hidden potential beneath the ground. Plans are underway to purchase 15 drilling machines, with drilling expected to commence after capturing the necessary data.
Mr. Ahmed Abbas, Mtwara Regional Commissioner, urged the ministry to consider establishing a local salt processing plant, capitalizing on the abundant salt available in the region.
The executive director of the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST), Mr. Mussa Budeba, highlighted the efficiency of drone technology in conducting mineral and rock investigations over large areas. He emphasized that using drones significantly reduces the time and costs required for research compared to traditional methods.
Local residents expressed optimism about the research results, believing that the discovery of minerals will motivate them to work harder and create job opportunities. The high-resolution airborne geophysical survey research in the Mtwara region has already conducted trials in the Dodoma, Shinyanga, Geita, Manyara, and Lindi regions.