The Committee Commends It for Self-Enhancement and Sets Strategies for Regional Lab Services. Dr. Kiruswa Cites It as the Hub of Mineral Research in the Country.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST), Dr. Mussa Budeba, said that the presence of modern equipment for the investigation and analysis of mineral samples, refining, and rock characteristics has attracted customers from major projects, including Kimani, Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant, and the Geita Gold Mine. Dr. Budeba made these remarks while presenting the laboratory report to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals on August 24, 2023, in Dodoma. The committee also had the opportunity to visit the laboratories located in the Mbwanga area and observe the testing, refining, and identification of minerals. He noted that the quality of the equipment has led to increased customers and sample investigations, which has significantly increased the domestic revenue collection. In the financial year 2022/23, the Laboratory Directorate investigated 22,343 samples, surpassing the annual target of 17,000.

Dr. Budeba added that the laboratory's efficient equipment has led to the production of high-quality crucibles for gold samples, meeting customer needs and reducing complaints from customers regarding the identification of gem minerals. The state-of-the-art laboratory equipment has expanded the scope for researchers, professors, and undergraduate students from various universities such as the University of Dar Es Salaam, the University of Dodoma, Nelson Mandela, Sokoine University of Agriculture, St. John's University, and others to use the GST laboratories. Speaking to the press after the committee visited the laboratories, Dr. Budeba stated that the institution's strategy is to improve peripheral laboratories and provide laboratory services in various regions of the country. They have already established a sample testing laboratory in the Geita Region, with plans to establish a laboratory in the Chunya District. The overall strategy is to have laboratories in various regions of the country. Another strategy is to start conducting fertilizer research. GST is here for Tanzanians, and they welcome miners to use their laboratories and access various publications that show the presence of minerals in different regions of the country. This will help miners extract minerals more efficiently, increase revenue, and reduce dependence on the government. Dr. Budeba emphasized. Following the visit to the laboratories, the Vice-Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals, Judith Kapinga, stated that the committee visited to see the government's investment, which was approved by Parliament for a total of TZS 4.2 billion. So far, GST has spent TZS 2.3 billion to purchase this equipment. She added that the equipment is expected to increase productivity in mineral research and refining operations. She commended GST for seeking projects to increase the institution's revenue through the production of crucibles for gold sample analysis. Furthermore, due to the importance of the institution for the development of the mineral sector, she said that the committee will continue to advise the government to increase the budget to support GST activities and improve infrastructure. In their contributions, members of parliament advised GST to increase the production of various crucibles for melting gold due to the demand, and to expand the scope of research. Deputy Minister of Minerals, Dr. Steven Kiruswa, referred to the laboratory as the hub of mineral science and explained that the ministry's strategy is to ensure that GST obtains modern equipment and produces expert professionals for the mineral sector.