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Zanzibar, UAE firm embark on mineral exploration project
What you need to know:
- With its economy heavily dependent on tourism and clove production, Zanzibar seeks to diversify its production forces as the government sees the potential for mineral deposits in Unguja and Pemba.
Zanzibar. The government of Zanzibar, in collaboration with a United Arab Emirates (UAE) company, yesterday started a mineral exploration project as the archipelago seeks to diversify its economy.
Zanzibar’s economy heavily depends on tourism and clove production. The current government sees the potential for mineral deposits on both Unguja and Pemba islands.
Aseel Oilfield Services Limited and the Ministry of Water, Energy, and Minerals of Zanzibar have jointly launched research activities that represent a significant milestone in the development of Zanzibar’s mining sector.
The ministry’s principal secretary, Mr Joseph Kilangi, emphasised the geological similarities between Zanzibar and other mineral-rich regions, saying there could be mineral deposits on the islands.
“The government is committed to establishing a new economic pillar through mineral exploration.
Successful outcomes of the project are expected to spearhead economic development in the government led by President Hussein Mwinyi, with a specific focus on the mineral sector,” said Mr Kilangi during a function held at the ministry’s headquarters in Maisara.
The Deputy Minister for Water, Energy, and Minerals of Zanzibar, Mr Shaaban Ali Othman, appreciated Dr Mwinyi’s leadership and his efforts to attract investors for the development of Zanzibar.
He called upon residents of the Unguja and Pemba islands to cooperate with teams from the UAE company and the government carrying out exploration activities.
Mr Shaaban officially launched the exploration activities on the island and promised the government’s support to the team, emphasizing the need to maintain momentum throughout the entire phase.
He said the ministry will closely review and analyse biweekly progression reports and strategize in order to establish a sophisticated database for the ministry.
The collaborative initiative is a result of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Aseel Oilfield Services and the Ministry of Water, Energy, and Minerals of Zanzibar in July 2023.
The chairman of Aseel Oilfield Services Group, Mr Iman Al-Jabry, expressed gratitude for the government’s commitment to building a transparent and investor-friendly environment in Zanzibar.
He assured both the ministry and the general public of the successful completion of mineral exploration.
The agreement encompasses various large-scale projects, including mining activities in Unguja and Pemba.
