Zanzibar is intensifying efforts to assess and develop its mineral resources after preliminary geological studies identified encouraging indications of commercially valuable mineral deposits, reinforcing the archipelago’s broader ambitions to diversify its economy and strengthen its contribution to Tanzania’s mining sector.
Speaking during the launch of the seventh Tanzania Mining and Investment Conference 2026 in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, Ali Hassan Mrisho, Head of the Mineral Division within Zanzibar’s Ministry of Water, Energy and Minerals, said initial geological investigations had revealed promising occurrences of heavy mineral sands, including ilmenite and zircon, both of which are widely used in global manufacturing and industrial supply chains.
According to Mrisho, the Zanzibar Government is collaborating with the Geological Survey of Tanzania to undertake more comprehensive geological assessments aimed at establishing the scale, quality and commercial viability of the identified mineral resources before any significant extraction activities commence.
Heavy mineral sands represent an important source of industrial minerals. Ilmenite is one of the world’s principal ores of titanium, which is extensively used in aerospace engineering, construction materials, pigments and advanced manufacturing. Zircon is similarly valued for its applications in ceramics, foundry casting, refractory materials and an expanding range of high technology industries. Growing international demand for minerals associated with energy transition technologies and industrial manufacturing has increased investor interest in previously underexplored regions across Africa.
Mrisho said the forthcoming exploration phase would be undertaken in accordance with sustainable development principles, with environmental stewardship and community participation forming central elements of the programme. He added that the authorities intend to ensure that any future mineral development generates broad based economic benefits while safeguarding local livelihoods and natural ecosystems.
The announcement reflects a wider trend across the African continent, where governments are placing greater emphasis on geological mapping and responsible resource development as part of broader economic transformation strategies. Several African countries continue to invest in expanding geological knowledge in order to improve resource governance, strengthen domestic value addition and attract long term investment into their mining industries.
Although mainland Tanzania has long established itself as one of Africa’s significant mining jurisdictions through the production of gold, diamonds, tanzanite, graphite, nickel and other strategic minerals, Zanzibar has historically maintained only a limited mining profile. The current exploration programme therefore represents an important stage in determining whether the islands possess commercially recoverable mineral deposits capable of supporting future investment.
Officials stressed that comprehensive scientific studies remain essential before decisions regarding commercial mining can be made. Further exploration will seek to establish the extent of the deposits while evaluating environmental considerations, technical feasibility and potential economic returns.
The announcement comes ahead of the Tanzania Mining and Investment Conference 2026, which brings together policymakers, geological experts, mining companies and investors to discuss opportunities within Tanzania’s evolving mineral sector. The conference also serves as a platform for examining regulatory developments, investment prospects and strategies aimed at ensuring that mineral resources contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
For African economies seeking to maximise the value of their natural resources, geological exploration remains an important foundation for evidence based policymaking. Zanzibar’s latest initiative illustrates an approach centred on improving geological understanding before commercial development proceeds, reflecting an increasing emphasis across the continent on responsible resource management and long term national development.
