Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE government is set to deploy a hightech specialised aircraft to survey six mineral-rich blocks covering over 100,000 square kilometres, equivalent to 18 per cent of the country’s land area.
The aerial survey project is scheduled to begin in the 2025/26 financial year, aiming to unlock untapped mineral potential across key regions.
The initiative supports the Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to conduct comprehensive nationwide geological research and increase surveyed land coverage from the current 16 per cent to 50 per cent by 2030.
The effort is designed to significantly boost the mining sector’s contribution to the national economy.
Speaking during a mining conference in Singida yesterday, Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde said President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed the ministry to acquire a new helicopter equipped with advanced imaging technology capable of surveying land up to one kilometre deep, enabling the identification of mineral-rich areas.
He explained that despite only 16 per cent of the country’s land having been surveyed, the mining sector has generated over 7tri/- in foreign exchange earnings from mineral exports in the past two years, making it the leading contributor to the country’s economy.
Mr Mavunde added that the sector also accounted for 15 per cent of domestic revenue, equivalent to 12.1tri/- and the government’s goal of increasing survey coverage to 50 per cent aims to further boost the sector’s economic contribution.
“We want the mining economy to be fully owned by Tanzanians. Our vision is to see more Tanzanians benefiting and becoming prosperous through the mining sector,” said Mr Mavunde.
He revealed that the specialised aircraft will begin operations in key areas including Kigoma, Katavi and the central regions of Dodoma and Singida, along with other designated sites.
The government has allocated over 100bn/- for the in-depth research initiative, as part of wider efforts to strengthen the mining sector. The sector’s budget for the 2025/26 financial year has been increased to 231bn/-, the largest boost in a decade, following a notable rise of 89bn/-.
Mr Mavunde also emphasised that the government is undertaking various measures, including legislative reforms, to ensure Tanzanians fully benefit from the mining sector and contribute more significantly to the government revenue.
Singida Regional Commissioner, Halima Dendego highlighted the strengthening mining sector in the region, noting that 600 licences have been issued to small-scale miners. Gold production has reached 2.7 tonnes annually, with small-scale miners contributing 1.5 tonnes of this total.
She assured that as mining activities expand, the government remains committed to ensuring miners’ safety and providing a conducive working environment supported by improved infrastructure.
President of the Federation of Mining Associations of Tanzania (FEMATA), Mr John Bina commended the government’s efforts, including legal reforms aimed at promoting the sector and benefiting local miners.
However, he raised concerns about tax-related challenges, particularly the conflicts between central and local government authorities. He noted that stringent local laws often impose heavy and sometimes double taxation on miners, creating unnecessary burdens.
Mr Bina also urged the government to reconsider the duration of small-scale mining licences, advocating for a minimum of 25 years instead of the current seven.
He called on the government to position Tanzania as a hub for mineral trade in the region.
On her part, FEMATA’s National Youth Miners Chairperson, Magreth Baraka, noted significant improvements for young miners. She said most of them now have access to mining technology, licences and capital, which fulfil the vision of the late Julius Nyerere, as realised by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
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