Tanzania aspires to become world’s minerals hub

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Esther Takwa

Tanzania is determined to become a hub for production,  processing and exporting world’s  strategic minerals.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan made the statement on Monday during the signing ceremony of contracts between Tanzania and three Australian mineral companies at the Chamwino State House in Dodoma.

The Head of State said  that the country has already benefited from its reliable systems of transporting minerals.

“Tanzania has been blessed with these critical and strategic minerals for the development of the world in this century and that makes our country to be considered by the biggest investors in the world…,” the Head of State said.

According to President Samia, the research for graphite and rare minerals began since 2000 through various companies and according to the study until now the amount of sediment are as  follows.

• 67 million tonnes with an average of 5.4 per cent of minerals found in Chilalo village which will be mined for more than 18 years

• 63 million tonnes with an average of 7.6 per cent of minerals have been discovered in the area of​​Epanco village and will be mined for more than 18 years.

• 18.5 million tonnes containing 4.8 per cent of rare minerals have been discovered in Ngwala, Songwe village and will be mined for more than 20 years.

“The graphite and rare minerals are in the list of important minerals in the world. They are very much needed in the new technology of dealing with climate change…they are being used to make batteries for electric cars, electronic devices and various machines,” she added.