Mineral resources

Ruvuma region, in collaboration with the Government mining policy aims at attracting the private sector to invest in mining by putting in place an enabling environment attractive to investors. The government also allows smallscale mining activities.

Ruvuma region has yet to play a significant role in mineral production, despite of the high mineral potentiality. The sector has contributed insignificantly to the region's economy. Mining activity in the region is carried out by artisanal miners mainly in Tunduru district where a variety of gemstones is mined.

MINING:

The mineral deposits potential of the Region includes gold, various gemstones, coal, uranium, building materials and diamond.

Gold:

Gold prospecting and mining is mostly carried out in Mbinga district by small - scale miners. Recent geological investigations indicate that there are some gold deposits along Muhuwesi river in Tunduru district. This mineral potential is believed to be enormous, especially in Tunduru and Songea districts.

Gemstones:

Gemstone deposits are found in Tunduru. Gemstone spotted includes sapphire, chrysobery, alexandrite, spinel and garnets. Aqua marine deposits have been found in Songea district. However, detailed exploration work is still needed to confirm the existence of the gemstones, their grade and quality.

Coal:

Geological survey in Tanzania was conducted mainly by the Colonial development corporation and NDC, and found five(5) basins in Ruvuma Region containing some coal. These existing basins are Ngaka, Muhukuru, Mbamba-Bay, Njuga and Lumecha. More work is still needed by the Geologists to confirm quantity and quality.