Dodoma. The government is in the final stages of procuring a specialised helicopter to strengthen geological surveys, a move expected to significantly expand mineral exploration coverage and provide critical data to support small-scale miners across the country.
The minister for Minerals, Mr Anthony Mavunde, disclosed this on January 19, 2026, while addressing the parliamentary standing committee on Energy and Minerals.
He said the investment, to be implemented through the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST), would raise the country’s level of detailed geological exploration from the current 16 per cent to at least 50 per cent.
“The helicopter will be dedicated to advanced airborne geological surveys, enabling the government to generate accurate and reliable data on mineral-bearing areas, Mr Mavunde said.
He noted that the surveys would place particular emphasis on assisting small-scale miners by providing them with precise information on the location and potential of mineral resources, thereby reducing exploration risks and improving productivity.
“The investment reflects the strong political will and leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan in advancing the mining sector as a key driver of national development,” Mr Mavunde noted.
He added that the prevailing political and governance environment had created favourable conditions for the implementation of strategic projects aimed at strengthening the sector and attracting investment.
He further reported that the government, through GST, has already made notable progress in several core geological studies.
These include the completion of low-resolution airborne geological surveys at 100 per cent, geological mapping at 97 per cent, geochemical surveys at 24 per cent, and high-resolution airborne geological surveys at 16 per cent.
Mr Mavunde noted that GST remains a central pillar in the growth of the mining sector, having generated baseline data that has led to the discovery and development of several large-scale mines in Tanzania.
Such data, he said, continues to play a vital role in stimulating investor confidence and supporting the broader growth of the national economy.
