BY SAMWEL MTUWA
MoM
TIN was first discovered in Tanzania in 1924 in Kyerwa, marking the initial discovery in the Central African Tin Belt.
This discovery paved the way for further exploration and eventually led to the discovery of tin in neighboring countries such as Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
From 1920 until the 1970s, research indicates that approximately 6,000 tons of cassiterite concentrates were produced in Tanzania. These concentrates were of high quality, containing around 70 to 75% tin (Sn).
The majority of Tanzania's tin occurrences are found in the well-known Kibaran Belt, which is famous for its diverse deposits of base, rare, and precious metals.
A significant zone of primary and placer tin deposits stretches from southwestern Uganda through northwestern Tanzania, as well as Rwanda, Burundi, and into the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In Tanzania, most of the tin and tungsten deposits are located in the Karagwe-Ankole system, which is associated with granitic rocks.
Geologist Stockley and colleagues have identified several key areas of mineralization within the Karagwe Tin Field, including Murongo, Rugasha, Kagaga-Bihanga, Katera, Lwamosi, Kafulu, and Kyerwa.
Source: Minerogenic Map of Tanzania, 2015.