The geological framework of Tanzania reflects the history of this part of the African continent and elucidates the setting s of mineralizations. Tanzania's present geological setting is the result of a series of events, which began, with the evolution of the ancient Achaean craton. It was then modified by metamorphic re-working and accretion of other continental matter, which was later, covered with continentally derived sediments of the Karoo sequence. Marine sediments along the coast later covered the Karoo sediments. The process of sundering the craton along the East African Rifts began during the Tertiary times.
The geological history has been reconstructed by several generations of geologists, from the pre-1900 times of foot traverses to the 1990's work of LANDSAT, isotopes and computers. Even within the past 30 years, great strides have been made in resolving questions which vexed earlier generations.
As a result of countrywide airborne surveys in 1977-1980, the geophysical features of Tanzania are better understood than those of some western countries.
Geologic Data Base
See Figure 5 pg. 22,
Figure 6 Pg. 23,
Figure 10 pg. 31,
Figure 13, pg. 37 (Ministry_Doc.pdf)
Download the entire file: Ministry_Doc.pdf (129MB)
Tanzania is fortunate in possessing a geologic and mineral database, which is virtually complete for work done since the mid 1930's. Such a comprehensive collection is a major asset in the evaluation of the country's mineral resources. The Geological Survey of Tanzania at Dodoma, with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, manages the database. The Government and the United Nations started to establish a fully computerized geological database and documentation centre in Dodoma in 1991, which is being developed and updated.
Another valuable data source in Dar es Salaam is the Southern and Eastern African Mineral Centre (SEAMIC), a regional geoscientific agency. It also possesses a modern rock mechanics laboratory.
Databases Available:
- Topographic Maps
- Aerial Photography
- Landsat
- Geologic Maps
- Geophysical Surveys
- Geochemical Surveys
- Archives
- Geological Library
- Core and Rock Library
Conclusion
Despite the favorable metallogeny comparable to that of well-developed mining industries, Tanzania's mineral potential had been seriously under-explored due to the lack of risk capital for exploration during the past years from the mid 1960's. This dilemma was recognized and an internationally competitive investment environment for the mineral sector was put in place. Consequently there has been an exploration boom, which led to the discovery of deposits and subsequent development of six large-scale gold mines, two of which are world class.
The Tanzania Ministry of Energy and Minerals wishes to bring to the attention of the mining community, more opportunities for investment, which involve various degrees of risk, but also have potential rewards as is well demonstrated by recent achievements. In the Ministry's opinion, risk capital in investment in Tanzania is comparable to, or even less then, the risk capital involved investing elsewhere.
