Minerals

Minerals

Minerals are natural resources. They are extracted from the ground. Tanzania has a variety of mineral deposits. Examples of the minerals found in Tanzania are: diamonds, iron, gas, copper, gold, Tanzanite, bicarbonate of soda, mica and coal.

The contribution of minerals to development

Minerals provide our country with income. This income is used to build and maintain infrastructure, for example roads, water and communication facilities. Moreover, the areas surrounding mining sites benefit through improvement in the quality of social service facilities such as hospitals, schools and markets. Also, mines play an important role in the growth of settlements in mining areas to which people go to seek work.

Protection of mineral resources

In order for us to protect our resource, we must:

1. Use proper technology in mineral extraction;
2. Make laws which govern the extraction, sale, purchase and transport of minerals and laws for environmental conservation; and
3. Provide education to our people on proper mineral extraction methods and properly handle the chemicals used in mining activities.