Drone technology revolutionises mineral research in Mtwara
What you need to know:
- The ministry has introduced drone-based exploration to provide comprehensive insights into the country's mineral wealth.
Mtwara. The government has embarked on a pioneering endeavour, utilising drone technology for mineral research in Mtwara region, with a focus on four key minerals: graphite, nickel, iron, and titanium.
The effort aims to enhance knowledge about natural resources and streamline the mining process.
The Minister for Minerals, Mr Anthony Mavunde, highlighted the lack of mineral information among Tanzanians, leading to wasted time and resources for mining investors.
Aligned with its Mining Vision 2030, the ministry seeks to survey at least 50 percent of the land for mineral potential.
To facilitate this research, the ministry has introduced drone-based exploration to provide comprehensive insights into the country's mineral wealth.
The research, targeting rocks and minerals such as graphite, nickel, iron, and titanium, is concentrated in the village of Utimbe, situated in the Lupaso ward of Masasi district in Mtwara region.
Mr Mavunde emphasised that Tanzania currently possesses detailed information on only 16 percent of rock and mineral lands, a knowledge that has resulted in the current large, medium, and small-scale mines.
"During her visits to Mtwara, President Samia Suluhu Hassan directed the strengthening of in-depth research to obtain indicators of mineral rocks, guiding Tanzanians in adhering to proper mining procedures. We want to reduce the loss of capital and time in exploration," said Mr Mavunde.
The government initiated comprehensive and scientific research on mining, aiming to cover 50 percent of the land to identify the hidden potential beneath the ground.
The purchase of 15 drilling machines has been ordered, with plans to commence drilling after capturing the necessary data, Mr Mavunde said.
Mtwara Regional Commissioner, Mr Ahmed Abbas, requested the ministry to consider establishing a local salt processing plant, capitalising 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 quickly conducting mineral and rock investigations over large areas.
"Using drones significantly reduces the time and costs required for research compared to traditional methods. The investigation is rapid and efficient, covering a larger area in a shorter time," said Mr Budeba.
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.
