Uganda hails GST Lab operations and mineral markets

BY SAMWEL MTUWA

GOVERNMENT of Tanzania, Uganda and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are collaborating to explore sustainable mining strategies in the region.

This dialogue is timely, coinciding with a high-level delegation from Uganda visiting Tanzania to enhance governance, social equity, environmental responsibility, and economic benefits in the mining sector while addressing associated challenges.

On the second day of their visit, officials from Uganda's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development expressed their appreciation for the operational systems at the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) laboratories, which analyze and identify mineral and rock samples.

Engineer Irene Bateebe, the Permanent Secretary of Uganda's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, noted the systematic approach observed, from the reception of mineral samples to the identification stage. She highlighted the educational value of their experience and acknowledged the impressive progress made by GST.

While Uganda has its own Uganda Geological Survey (UGS), Engineer Bateebe commended the advancements observed in Tanzania’s laboratories, which set a benchmark for their own developments.

Regarding international accreditation, Engineer Bateebe mentioned that UGS laboratories have not yet achieved accreditation for any mineral elements.

However, the insights gained during this visit will be instrumental in preparing the necessary documentation and reports for pursuing such accreditation.

When discussing mineral markets, Engineer Bateebe expressed satisfaction with the operational systems in place, particularly the mechanisms for verifying the authenticity of minerals entering the market and the extensive network of mineral trading centers throughout Tanzania.

Earlier, during the delegation's welcome at the GST offices, Dr. Mussa Budeba, GST’s Chief Executive Officer, spoke about the institution's proactive strategies to enhance the analysis of mineral samples, including strategic and rare minerals, in line with sectoral goals through GST laboratories.

Ms. Hope, the UNDP Uganda Coordinator for Development Programs, emphasized the importance of building a solid foundation in the mineral value chain to empower small-scale miners and alleviate poverty while mitigating environmental degradation.

Kenneth Asiimwe, Head of Projects and Research at Uganda’s Chamber of Mines, affirmed the significant progress made by Tanzania’s mining sector in integrating small-scale miners into various initiatives, as demonstrated during the meeting with GST and STAMICO.

Asiimwe highlighted the vital role of small-scale miners in promoting sustainable practices within the mining sector and advocated for ongoing capacity-building efforts to support national development.

Mr. Godfrey Nyamrunda, the National Coordinator for UNDP Tanzania's sustainable mining initiatives, expressed optimism about supporting GST's efforts to gather essential information that will inform sustainable mining practices. He underscored the importance of geological data as a foundation for guiding future mining and energy transition initiatives.

To gain further insights, the delegation also visited mineral markets in the Dodoma region, which provided valuable information about the operations of mineral trading in the country.