SOUTHERN AND EASTERN AFRICAN MINERAL CENTRE - SEAMIC

Volume 9, Number 1
December 2006
SSPPEECCIIAALL IISSSSUUEE
MMIINNEERRAALL PPOOTTEENNTTIIAALL OOFF
SSEEAAMMIICC MMEEMMBBEERR
CCOOUUNNTTRRIIEESS
CONTENTS
1 Geology and Mineral
Resources of Ethiopia
5 The Geology and Mineral
Potential of Kenya
14 Mineral Resources and
Geological Information in
Mozambique
19 NEWS & Coming Events
SEAMIC
SOUTHERN AND EASTERN AFRICAN MINERAL CENTRE
m i n e r a l s f o r d e v e l o p m e n t

SEAMIC Newsletter
Volume 9 No. 1
December 2006
SEAMIC Newsletter is a biannual
publication of the
Southern and Eastern African
Mineral Centre (SEAMIC)
publishing scientific, policy,
information and reports about
the mineral resources development
related activities in
the eastern and southern
African sub-region.
Though maximum possible
check is done on the contents
of articles published in
SEAMIC Newsletter, any of
the publications published in
this Newsletter reflects only
the opinion of the Author, and
SEAMIC shall take no responsibility
about the contents of
the articles.
Editor: Mesfin W. Gebremichael
Editorial committee:
Godfrey R. L. Nkini
Elibariki C. Kimaro
Lilian Moshi
Design: Geo-information
Department SEAMIC
Printer: DeskTop Publications
Limited
PO Box 20936
Dar es Salaam
Tanzania
Dear Readers, the Vol. 9 No. 1 issue of SEAMIC
EDITORIAL
NOTE
Newsletter is dedicated to publishing the mineral
resources potential of SEAMIC member States
constituting Ethiopia, Kenya and Mozambique in an effort to introduce and promote
their mineral wealth. In subsequent Newsletters the mineral potentials for the
remaining Southern and Eastern African Mineral Centre (SEAMIC) member States
will be addressed. In light of the above the mineral potentials of the three member
States may be summarized as follows.
Mozambique has a huge mineral potential that is largely untapped. Gold has been
produced from the Greenstone belt and the alluvial deposits. Tantalum-niobium,
other rare metals and semi-precious stones are abundant. Deposits of heavy mineral
sands and a wide range of industrial minerals comprise a few of the mineral wealth in
Mozambique that are under development. The government’s effort to increase the
geological knowledge base through exploration for a wide range of minerals that was
curtailed for a number of years in the 1980s due to the civil war in the country is now
being aggressively carried out and is assisting speedy geological data collection and
dissemination. This effort has significantly enabled the mineral sector development
in the country and as a result many mining projects have been initiated.
The earth resources of Kenya include a wide range of minerals, both metallic and
industrial, as well as varieties of gemstones. The mineralisation of gold copper, silver,
kyanite, corundum, graphite, wollastonite, marble, asbestos, flourspar, magnesite,
kaoline, variety of gemstones, gypsum, clay, diatomite, and rare-earth elements are the
few to mention. There are several exploration and mining activities underway in the
country including exploration for gold and heavy mineral sand.
Ethiopia is endowed with abundant mineral resources associated with the
Precambrian, Paleozoic-Mesozoic sedimentary rocks, the Cenozoic volcanic and
sedimentary rocks. Currently metallic minerals such as gold, columbo-tantalite and
alluvial platinum and a variety of industrial minerals such as kaolin, opal, dolomite,
quartz, feldspar, soda ash, dimension stones and cement mineral raw materials are
produced. Rich deposits of potash, manganese and rock salt are abundant in the
Tertiary/Quaternary sediments. Natural gas, geothermal energy and coal deposits
have been explored at feasibility levels and are awaiting development.
For more details the reader is invited to the articles presented in this Newsletter on
the geology and mineral potential of Ethiopia, Kenya and Mozambique.

GEOLOGY AND MINERAL
RESOURCES OF ETHIOPIA
BY GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF ETHIOPIA
INTRODUCTION
Systematic mineral exploration in the country started in the 1970’s leading to the discovery of
many metallic mineral deposits (example, gold and tantalum) and industrial raw materials for
manufacturing of cement, ceramics, glass, fertilizer, etc. Exploration for fuel (natural gas and
oil) and energy (coal and geothermal energy) occurrences has been conducted back in the late
1940s and are still under investigation. Little is known to date about the occurrences of gem
minerals, but prospecting is underway by the private sector.
Systematic exploration and mining development so far undertaken in the country indicate the
low-grade volcano-sedimentary assemblages as the main host rocks for precious, base, rare and
ferrous and ferroalloy metals. The distribution of industrial minerals and rocks is mainly related
to Precambrian metamorphic rocks, Paleozoic-Mesozoic sedimentary rocks, and Cenozoic
volcanic and sedimentary rocks.
Currently, mining companies are engaged in the exploration for further gold and base metal
occurrences in different regions of the country. There are also several local and foreign private
companies mining marble, granite, amphibolite, opal and limestone in various parts of the
country. Efforts are also being made to develop the geothermal and gas energy resources.
GEOLOGY
The Geology of Ethiopia can be grouped into three major stratigraphic units, namely: the
Precambrian basement rocks, Late Paleozoic to Mesozoic sedimentary rocks and Cenozoic
volcanic and sedimentary rocks, and Tertiary/Quaternary volcanics and sediments.
The Precambrian basement rocks are poly-deformed and metamorphosed high grade gneisses
and schists associated with low-grade meta-volcano-sedimentary rocks. They are mainly
exposed in the northern, western and southern parts of the country.
Late Paleozoic-Mesozoic sedimentary rocks are widely distributed in the northern, central,
eastern and southeastern parts of the country. The sedimentary rocks are unconformly overlying
the basement rocks and mainly composed of sandstone and limestone and are exposed
mainly in the Ogaden, Abbay and Mekele Basins. Phanerozoic sedimentary and volcanic
rocks cover much of the country’s central highlands, rift valley and eastern lowlands.
The Tertiary to Quaternary volcanics are associated with the evolution of the East African Rift
System. The main rock types are basalts, trachytes and associated dyke swarms, andesites, rhyolites,
ignimbrites and pumiceous ash.
Tertiary sedimentary rocks are known in the Ogaden, in the Danakil Depression, and in the
lower Omo River Valley. These rocks consist of sandstone, limestone, conglomerate, mudstone
and shale. Rich deposits of potash, manganese, rock salt and other types of evaporites
are abundant in the Tertiary/Quaternary sediments. Quaternary sediments occur throughout
the country and were formed as lacustrine as well as marine formations. They comprise limestones,
clay, siltstone, sand, volcanoclastic, and others.
1

MINERAL RESOURCES
Metallic Minerals
Exploration and mining development activities so far undertaken in the country show the lowgrade
volcano-sedimentary assemblages as the main host rock for precious, base, rare and ferrous
and ferroalloy metals. Three low-grade volcano-sedimentary domains and the associated
intrusives of the Arabian Nubian shield occur in southern, western and northern Ethiopia.
a) Southern domain (Adola and Kenticha belts): This domain consists of the primary gold of
Lege Dembi, Sakaro, Wollena, Kumuda, Megado-Serdo, Dawa-Digati, Moyale and Ababa
River; the columbo-tantalite of Kenticha and Meleka and the Adola Nickel deposit.
b) Western domain (Dul-Nazila, Menghi-Gizen, Fakusho-Oda and Akobo-Yubdo-Baruda
belts): These belts host the primary gold of Dul, Oda-Godere, Chamo (Akobo), Baruda,
Bekoji-Motish and Kilaj; Yubdo Platinum; base metals of Azali-Akendeyu, Abetselo and
Kata; Fakusho molybdenite; and the iron deposits of Bikilal, Chago, Gordana and Koree.
c) Northern domain (Tigray Greenstone Region and Ethiopian Rift Zone (Danakil
Depression): Mafic ultramafic belts comprise the primary gold occurrences of Terakemti,
Adi Zeresenay, Zager and Niraque, as well as the base metals of Tsehafi Emba.
Besides these known deposits and occurrences, there exists a number of virgin exploration targets
in the Precambrian terrains of southwest (Akobo belt extension), eastern (Soka series), the
Melka Arba iron ore within high grade metamorphic terrain, the Chercher Malachite in the
Mesozoic sandstone formations, and the Enkafela manganese in the Plio-Pleistocene conglomerate
and gypsifecous units of the Danakil Formation.
2

Industrial Minerals and Rocks
Industrial minerals and rocks are mainly related to Precambrian metamorphic rocks, Paleozoic-
Mesozoic sedimentary rocks, and Cenozoic volcanic and sedimentary rocks. These categories
can be considered as a distinct domain containing a characteristics and predictable suite of
industrial minerals and rocks.
• The Precambrian basement domain predominantly composed of high and low grade rocks.
The high-grade rocks including granites, gneissose rocks and associated pegmatites consists
of Kyanite, Asbestos, feldspar, mica, kaolin, quartz, beryl and spodumene. The meta-sedimentary
sequences commonly host graphite, talc, serpentinites, peridotite, and marble. The
basement rocks also provide hard rocks suitable for use as blocks or in crushed form as sized
coarse aggregate for construction.
• The Paleozoic-Mesozoic sedimentary successions host limestone, sandstone, shale, marl
and gypsum and provide significant raw materials for cement, glass and construction industries.
• The Cenozoic Volcanic Rocks comprises basalts, trachytes, andesites, rhyolites, ignimbrites,
pumice and scoria. The Cenozoic sediments include limestone, sandstone, conglomerate,
mudstone, shale, gypsum, anhydrite, clay, siltstone, volcanoclastics and other types of evaporates.
The economic importance of the Cenozoic rocks as industrial mineral resources is
demonstrated by the presence of various construction materials, potash, common salt, gypsum,
bentonite, diatomite, pumice, volcanogenic sulphur, etc.
Energy Minerals
• The sediments in Tigray in the north and in the Gambela area in the west are of potential
areas for oil and gas prospects in Ethiopia and exploration for these minerals is ongoing. In
the Ogaden Basin in eastern Ethiopia, past explorations indicated occurrences of oil and
gas. A gas deposit of commercial value has been discovered in Calub that is at the moment
under development.
• There are many occurrences of coal of different ranks in different parts of the country within
the sediments intercalated in the Tertiary volcanic rocks. The Yayu lignite coal deposit
in southwestern Ethiopia has been studied at a feasibility level and it is under developmental
stage.
• The Main Ethiopian Rift and the Afar Depression are closely associated to Tertiary to
recent volcanic activities. An enormous amount of geothermal energy is estimated to exist
within the Rift. Pilot exploration drillings have proven the existence of steam capable of
generating geothermal power in Langano and Tendaho areas in the central and northern
parts of the Rift respectively.
CURRENT MINING STATUS IN ETHIOPIA
Gold
The Lege Dembi gold mine is the only modern primary gold mine existing in the country. It
is located 7 km southwest of Shakiso, a mining town about 500 km south of Addis Abeba, and
is subdivided into the northern, Central and southern ore bodies. The gold is hosted in auriferous
quartz veins associated with north-south trending shear zones that separate low grade
rocks from high grade gneisses. The deposit has a proven reserve of 83 tons of gold at an average
grade of 4 g/t.
Columbo–tantalite
This mine is operated by a state-owned company, Ethiopia Mineral Development Share
Company (EMD), at Kenticha, about 50 km southeast of Shakiso in the Adola Greenstone
Belt. A deposit in weathered crust was delineated in 1988 with proven reserves of 25,850 tons
of columbo– tantalite ore at 0.02 to 0.03% Ta 2O 5. Currently, a pilot plant is producing 60
tons/year of columbo–tantalite ore.
3

Kaolin
Kaolin is mined by EMD Share Company at Bombawha in Southern Ethiopia, about 430 km
from Addis Abeba. This Kaolin is a product of in situ weathering of pegmatites and granites.
The upper parts of the pegmatites and granites have been kaolinzed to a depth of 20mt. Proven
reserves of 150,000 ton of kaolin had been identified in 1992, at which time open-pit mining
operations began. The main consumers of its products are the Tabor Ceramics and Aluminum
Sulphate Industries. The quality of the product satisfies its customers with an average Fe 2O 3
content of 0.7 - 0.8%. The grade of Kaolin is 32 - 36% with a recovery of 96%. The final product
has a grain size of less than 45 micrometer.
Dolomite
The Kenticha dolomite marble occurs north-west of the tantalum mine and extends for several
kilometers in a north-south direction. The composition of the marble varies from calcite to
magnesite and the grain size varies from fine to coarse. The Ethiopia Mineral Development
Share Company sells its products to Modern Building Industry (MBI), a Saudi enterprise, after
reducing its size to 0.1-0.3 mm by crushing. The final product is used as filler in paint, paper,
and rubber industries and marketed locally and abroad. The annual production is 5,000 tons
and the resource is about 1.5 million tons.
Quartz and Feldspar
Quartz and feldspar at Kenticha are mined as by-products of tantalum mining to be used for
different applications. These industrial mineral products are consumed mainly by Tabor
Ceramic Factory. The annual production is about 6,000 ton from a combined resource of one
million tons.
Soda Ash
The Soda Ash Mine is located at Lake Abiyata in the Rift valley, about 200 km from Addis
Ababa. The resource at Lake Abiyata and the neighboring lakes of Shalla and Chitu exceed
460 mt of sodium carbonate at salt concentrations ranging from 1.1 to 1.9%. The plant produces
about 20,000 ton/year of Soda Ash using solar evaporation harvesting system on a semiindustrial
scale. The products are consumed by Caustic Soda, soap and detergent manufacturers
as well as by water supply institutions.
Opal
Mining for opal has been going on since 1998 after exploration commenced in 1994 in the central
part of the country by the private sector. Systematic exploration is underway to define bigger
deposits and to look for better quality gems.
Dimension Stones
According to the US Geological Survey mining statistics, the production of dimension-stone
in Ethiopia reached 100,000 tons in 1999 – an increase by 150% from 1995. This includes the
production of granite, marble and limestone. The large increase in production was boosted by
strong construction activity in the country. At present, there are several producing local and
foreign private companies in Ethiopia. The National Mining Corporation (NMC), Saba
Stones and Ethiopian Mining Industry (EMI) are mining marble, granite, and amphibolite and
limestone in various part of the country. In addition to the local market, some of them are
exporting the marble blocks to the Middle East and Europe.
4
Geological Survey of Ethiopia
P.O.Box 2302, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
E-mail: geology.institute@ethionet.et
Website:- www.geology.gov.et

THE GEOLOGY AND MINERAL
RESOURCE POTENTIAL OF KENYA
BY MINES AND GEOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT OF KENYA
GEOLOGY
Geological Overview
The geology of Kenya may generally be grouped into the following five major geological
successions: Archean (Nyanzian and Kavirondian), Proterozoic (Mozambique Belt and
Bukoban) Palaeozoic/Mesozoic sediments, Tertiary/Quaternary volcanics and
Tertiary/Quaternary sediments
Quaternary: Soils, alluvial beach sands, evaporates, fossil coral reefs and sandstones
at the coast: alluvial and lacustrine sediments of the Rift
Valley. There are also volcanic rocks of the rift valley from the
younger volcanoes.
Tertiary: Coastal sediments, Late Miocene and Pliocene volcanics,
Terrestrial and lacustrine inland sediments. There are Early
Tertiary formations not represented at surface.
Palaeozoic/Mesozoic: (Cretaceous, Jurassic, Triassic, Permian and Carboniferous): The
Karroo formations of the coastal hinterland, including the basal
sedimentary formation in north-east Kenya.
Proterozoic: Kisii series (Bukoban system): Volcanics with sediments
Mozambique Belt: quartzites, biotite/hornblende gneisses,
schist, granitoid gneisses, amphibolites, migmatites.
Intrusives: syntectonic granites
Archean: Kavirondian system: Mudstones, Sandstones, Conglomerates,
Granitic intrusions
1. The Nyanzian Shield
Nyanzian system: Shales, cherts, ironstones, Pyroclastics,
Rhyolites, Andesites, Basalts.
The Nyanzian and Kavirondian systems forming the Nyanza Craton are the oldest rocks
in the country with ages over 2,500 million years.
The Nyanzian system is mainly composed of lavas and pyroclastics with minor sediments
and banded ironstones. The Kavirondian, which rests unconformly on the Nyanzian, consists
of grits, sandstones, greywackes and conglomerates. Both the Nyanzian and
Kavirondian systems are isoclinally folded about axes that have an east-westerly trend.
5

Kavirondian, is only slightly younger than Nyanzian but folding in the two systems has
similar orientation. Numerous granitic bosses and batholiths have intruded the Nyanzian
and Kavirondian. The Kavirondian intrusions were more but the pre-Kavirondian were
also widespread and the two systems are discernible.
2. Mozambique Belt
The Mozambique belt is a structural unit within which a wide variety of meta-sedimentary
and meta-igneous rocks are found showing a broad concordance of structural style and
metamorphic history. In most of these rocks, the degree of deformation is intense and is
of high metamorphic grades. They were thus referred to earlier in literature as the basement
system rocks, due to high degree of metamorphism and deformation.
Recent work on the Mozambique Belt has shown that rocks can be sub-divided into
groups of contrasting lithology, structure and composition of igneous rocks content. These
groups are being studied in greater detail in order to come up with proper chronostratigraphic
terminology.
Within the Mozambique Belt basic igneous complexes are found and range in size from
bosses to small dykes. They occur both east and west of the Rift Valley. Some of the older
basic intrusions have undergone deformation and metamorphism to give ortho-amphibolites
and charnockitic gneisses.
Basic and granitic intrusions are known in the Mozambique Belt. The most characteristic
feature of the Mozambique Belt is its structural trend which is more or less north-south in
its entire belt.
Variations of the northerly trend are minor and, when observed, can be explained and are
localised. The majority of Mozambique Belt rocks have been placed in upper Precambrian
(Proterozoic).
3. Palaeozoic and Mesozoic Formations
Palaeozoic and Mesozoic formations in Kenya are found near the coast and in north-eastern
Kenya. The earliest of these rocks are Permo-Carboniferous which are mostly sandstones
and shales that form the Duruma series. This is equivalent to the Karroo system in
Southern Africa. The local formations are Taru; Maji-ya-Chumvi; Mariakani and the
Mazeras. They extend for about 100 kilometres from Taru to Mazeras, west of Mombasa.
The rocks dip very gently towards the ocean and are heavily faulted in places.
Mesozoic rocks occur in two separate areas, in the north-east part of Kenya and along the
Coast belt. The stratigraphy and fossils in the two areas are very distinct and it is likely
that the sedimentary basins in the two areas were connected. Revision mapping in the area
has come up with interesting lithological units that have revised lithological names.
4. Tertiary and Quaternary Volcanics
Volcanic rocks cover the central parts of the country from south to north, occurring in the
floor of the Rift Valley and on the peneplains west and east of the valley.
The oldest of the volcanics are of Lower Miocene age and comprise the eroded lavas and
pyroclastic piles of South Nyanza. Late in Miocene times, Kapiti and Yatta phonolites
were erupted and flowed to great lengths.
6

Further eruptions accompanied by faulting persisted and also gave rise to the Rift Valley
and the volcanic piles of Mounts Kenya, Elgon and Kilimanjaro.
Quaternary volcanism was mostly within the Rift Valley and has given rise to the craters
and cider cones that are found in the floor of the valley e.g. Longonot, Menengai and
Suswa.
7

5. Tertiary and Quaternary Sediments
There are many deposits of sediments in various parts of Kenya. They usually occur at the
base of volcanic succession, intercalated with it or occurring in tectonic troughs.
The repeated faulting of the Rift Valley floor and the numerous volcanic eruptions created
many short-lived basins of internal drainage in which lacustrine and fluviatile sediments
accumulated. Most of these sediments are unfossiliferous, but a few are of interest as they
contain deposits that bear artefacts and interesting fossils that have been studied extensively.
The more important sediments of middle Pleistocene are the Olorgesaillie lake beds, a
lacustrine series with much diatomite, mammalian fossils and artefacts. This is also comparable
to the Kariandusi sediments near Gilgil and the Kanjera Beds in the Kavirondo
Gulf off Lake Victoria. Olorgesaillie beds and Kariandusi sediments are in the Rift Valley.
MINERAL OCCURRENCE
A wide range of minerals, both metallic and non-metallic (industrial), are known to occur
in the country. These include barite, gypsum, gold, silver, lead, talc, titanium, salt, a variety
of gemstones, (mainly ruby and several varieties of garnet) dimension stones, silica
sand, heavy mineral sands, manganese, zinc, wollastonite, graphite, kaolin, copper, nickel,
chromite, pyrite, various clays, rare earth elements and pyrochlore.
The Geological environments for the mineralization can be summarised as follows:
(a) The Archean Nyanzian Craton area of Western Kenya where metallic mineralization
of base and precious metals are known to occur: gold, copper and silver have been
mined in the past. They are also potential for ferrous and no-ferrous metals.
Kimberlitic bodies have also been reported.
(b) The Proterozoic Mozambique Belt that is most extensive in Central Kenya north to
South in which minerals such as kyanite, corundum, graphite, wollastonite, marble,
asbestos, fluorspar, magnesite, kaolin and a variety of gemstones are found together
with minerals associated with basic and granitic rocks.
(c) The sedimentary rocks of Palaeozoic to Quaternary are widespread. These rocks are
sources and hosts of limestones, gypsum, clays, manganese and construction materials
and possibly hydrocarbons. Base metal mineralization, lead-zinc-barite and copper
are known to occur in the sedimentary basin along the coastal belt.
Heavy mineral sands also occur along the coastal beach sands and recently deposits of
about 3.2 billion tons of titanium bearing have been discovered.
(d) The volcanic rocks associated with Rift System host a variety of minerals and construction
materials. The volcano-sedimentary accumulations have deposits of clays,
evaporites, trona (soda ash), diatomite, natural carbon dioxide, kunkar and gypsum.
Gem quality rubies have also been discovered recently.
8
The geothermal fields are found in the area and some have been exploited, currently
producing 57 MW of power to the national grid.

Carbonatites are known to be host of several minerals found in the Nyanzian shield
area, around Lake Victoria shores and in the southern part of the coastal sedimentary
basin. Mrima, one of the carbonatites known for potential of niobium and rare
earth elements (REE) is found in the coastal basin, south of Mombasa.
CURRENT ACTIVITIES
Exploration
A number of international companies, including, Tiomin, AfriOre and Kansai/Mid-
Migori are currently carrying out exploration activities for gold. Tiomin Resources Inc. has
recently completed exploration for heavy mineral sands and has been issued with a Mining
Lease. A fiscal agreement providing for incentives has also been signed.
Mining
The Kenya Mining industry is dominated by production of non-metallic minerals which
are mainly: soda ash (trona), fluorspar, diatomite, vermiculite, natural carbon dioxide,
kaolin, barytes, a variety of gemstones, limestone and lime products including various construction
materials.
In the case of metallic minerals, some quantities of gold are being produced. Iron ore is
produced from localised small deposits and is utilised in the manufacture of cement in the
country.
Production of some minerals during 2000-2005 was as follows:
MINERAL Unit 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005**
Soda Ash MT 238,190 297,780 304,110 352,560 355,110 360,161
Fluorspar* MT 100,102 118,850 85,015 80,201 117,986 97,608
Crushed Refined Soda MT 382,556 207,647 474,014 576,146 600,209 640,291
Salt(from Magadi) MT 16,359 5,664 18,848 21,199 26,607 26,595
Carbon Dioxide Gas MT 7,744 5,645 5,662 4,614 6,757 8,723
Diatomite* MT 448 441 1,333 353 330 233
Gold* KGS 1,243 1,545 1,477 1,543 567 616
Gemstones KGS 5,916 5,887 3,063 2,313 4,758 5420
Mineral Products
*Export figures ** Provisional
Soda ash is produced from the mineral trona that occurs at Lake Magadi which is situated
within the Great Rift Valley. The commodity is produced by the Magadi Soda
Company Limited in one of the biggest known natural sources of trona in the world. The
bulk of the soda ash is exported but a good deal of the commodity is used in various local
industries as well. The annual production during the year 2005 was valued at US$ 38million.
Trona occurs together with common salt and Lake Magadi is also a major source of crude
salt.
9

Fluorspar is mined to the east of the town of Eldoret within the Rift Valley system. The
Kenya Fluorspar Company Limited operates the mine. The mine produces acid grade
Fluorspar of which the bulk is for export.The annual production for the year 2005 was valued
at US$ 14million.
Diatomite is produced at Gilgil within the Rift Valley, but it is also known to occur in a
number of localities within the Rift Valley system. The commodity is produced for both
export and local markets. Its potential is large.
Vermiculite is produced from Lodosoit which is in the northern central part of the Rift
Valley Province within the pre-Cambrian rocks of Mozambique belt.
Limestone and lime products are produced for the manufacture of cement and other industrial
products. Cement and construction industries take the bulk of the limestone mined
and quarried. Limestone, marbles and dolomites are widely occurring in the country and
a large tonnage of the commodity is known to exist. Along the coastal belt, Bamburi
Portland Cement Company Limited exploits kunkar and crystalline limestone in the vicinity.
The three cement factories, Athi River, Bamburi and East Africa Portland produce over
1.5 million tonnes of cement to meet local needs.
Natural Carbon dioxide associated with the rift system, is exploited in a number of places
and has been marketed by Carbacid (CO 2 Mfg) Limited for industrial purposes. Other
Industrial Minerals exploited include gypsum which is mined in Tana River in the Coastal
belt, Kajiado near Nairobi and in Turkana in North Western Kenya. Gypsum is mined and
supplied to local cement plants and some is exported to Uganda
Kenya boasts of a wide range of coloured and ornamental stones of gem quality, which are
mined in the country. These mainly include, in order of importance, ruby, tsavorite, sapphire,
various types of garnet, peridot, tourmaline, aquamarine and others.
Lead was being produced from galena, which was being mined in small quantities in the
coastal belt, where it was smelted together with scrap lead to manufacture lead batteries.
Gold is known to occur in a number of places in gold bearing greenstone rocks of Nyanzian
Craton in Western Kenya. Areas with alluvial gold are being harvested by local miners
through conventional panning in the northern part of the country.
Titanium and zirconium production
Substantial deposits (3.2 billion tonnes) of mineral sands containing ilmenite, rutile and
zircon along the Kenyan Coast have been established through exploration work by Tiomin
Resources Inc. of Canada. These deposits occur in Kilifi, Kwale, Mambarui and Vipingo
areas. Tiomin is focusing first on the Kwale deposit owing to its higher grades of the minerals.
The mineralized sand deposits in Kwale amount to 200 million tonnes which is approximately
6% of the total identified deposits in the Coast Province. Tiomin will mine about
140 million tonnes that are economically recoverable out of the 200 million tonnes over a
period of 14 years. The value of minerals to be extracted at Kwale over this period is
approximately US$ 695 million. During the first 6 years output would be more than
330,000 tonnes ilmenite, 75,000 tonnes rutile and 37,000 tonnes zircon per year.
10

Tiomin estimates that it will spend US$ 150 million in construction of the project facilities
and another US$ 415 million as operating costs during the project’s 14 years life span.
During the first 5 years of production the Government will receive approximately US$ 2.5
million as royalty per year and is expected to increase thereafter. The Government will also
receive income tax, corporate tax and other taxes. In addition the project will contribute
to GDP growth.
During its construction phase the project would create about 1,000 direct jobs with additional
employment in the operational phase. A further 1000 jobs would be created indirectly
through sub contracting and provision of goods and services to the project.
The project would expend about US$ 20 million in Coast Province alone every year. Out
of this US$ 2.0 million will be for salaries and wages. In addition the company will improve
infrastructure and construct social amenities in the area. At the resettlement site, Tiomin
will construct two primary schools, two secondary schools, two dispensaries, one health
centre, two social halls, water supplies at each settlement village and relocate and built
churches and mosques that exist at the mine site.
The Company is expected to start the construction phase of the Kwale Project this year
after the compensation and resettlement issues have been completed. Production is to
commence in 2007.
Mineral commodities contributed about one per cent of the Gross Domestic product
(GDP). However, there exists tremendous potential that awaits exploitation. Investors are
expected to take up the opportunity presented to them in the form of favourable fiscal
reform to invest in mineral exploration and mining.
DATABASE
Geological Information
About 90% of the country has been covered by geological mapping at reconnaissance and
regional level. Some areas are covered by mapping of 1:50,000, 1:125,000 and 1:250,000
scales.
The reports and maps are available for sale at the Mines and Geological Department
Library in Nairobi, Kenya.
Other maps available are:
∗ Geological Map of Kenya (1:3,000,000), 1996 edition
∗ Geological Map of Kenya (1:1,000,000), 1983 edition with:
(a) Structural contours
(b) Gravity lines
∗ Geological Map of Kenya (1:1,000,000), 1987 Edition
∗ Kenya Mineral Deposits (1:3,000,000), 2000 Edition.
∗ Tectonic Map 1:3,000,000
Geological mineral exploration and mining data, gathered since the turn of the century are
available at the Mines and Geological Department’s archives and library, at the
11

Headquarters in Nairobi. The information is currently being computerized and digitised
for easy retrieval.
Geophysical Data
Since 1970’s several areas have been covered by airborne geophysical surveys in search of
minerals. Information on the main airborne surveys can be obtained from the Mines and
Geology Department.
The available geophysical data will be of interest to the investors who wish to have test surveys
prior to planning large scale exploration programmes. However, the existing geophysical
data is not computerized.
Geochemical Data
Geochemical exploration has been conducted in several parts of the country in varying
degrees. All areas mapped after 1970 had reconnaissance geochemical survey conducted
along with the mapping. This involved collection of stream sediments, heavy minerals and
grid soil samples. Geochemistry has been conducted in areas of revision mapping and
ground geophysical programmes. A large part of the country has been covered by this type
of geochemical data and is available at the Department’s library and archives.
Topographical Maps
Maps of scale 1:250,000 cover the whole country while scale 1:100,000 and scale 1:50,000
are available for most parts of the country. Dates of publication do vary.
Aerial Maps
Most part of the country is covered by aerial photographs of varying scales and dates of
coverage.
Laboratory services and related Utilities
∗ The Mines and Geological Department has facilities for chemical, mineralogical and
petrographic analysis, fire assay and ore dressing at a nominal cost.
∗ The nuclear Centre at the University of Nairobi offers analytical facilities at a cost.
∗ The Mines and Geological Department offer drilling services at a cost. There are
other companies in the country that offer drilling service on commercial basis.
MINING OPPORTUNITIES
There exist high mineral potential areas i.e. the gold bearing greenstone belt of Western
Kenya and Mozambique Belt in Central and Southern Kenya. Several exploration companies
have been granted exploration licenses to explore for gold and base metals in these
areas. Some of the above high mineral potential areas have been staked by both local and
foreign companies. Investors may wish to enter into joint ventures with companies already
holding exploration concessions.
Kenya has a well developed transport and communications system, which is progressively
being improved and modernized to meet the needs of the expanding economy. A well-
12

developed road and air network, seaports, posts and telecommunication facilities provide
back-up to industrial development.
The Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources
P. O. BOX 30126
NAIROBI - Kenya.
Tel: 254-20- 2730808
CONTACTS
Commissioner of Mines and Geology
Mines and Geological Department
P. O. BOX 30009
00100 NAIROBI - Kenya.
Tel: 254-20-558034/558782/557672
E-mail address: cmg@bidii.com
The Mines and Geological Department, within the Ministry of Environment and Natural
Resources, is charged with the responsibility for Mineral Resources Development,
Geological Surveys and Research.
call for contributions
Research articles (including Photos), Tips, Views and Comments
are welcome to the next
SEAMIC Newsletter Volume 10, Number 1
Deadline for the submission of your manuscript is
1st May 2007
For further Information contact: Geo-information Department
SEAMIC P.O. Box 9573, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Tel: 255 22 2650321/47, Fax: 255 22 2650319
e-mail: mesfin@seamic.org
13

Introduction
About two-third of Mozambique, including the inland areas in the north are underlain by
igneous and metamorphic rocks of Archean to Neoproterozoic age. Phanerozoic terrains
are found south of the Zambezi valley and along the coastal belt in the northeast.
Archean and Paleoproterozoic terrains are an extension of the Zimbabwe Craton and its
supracrustal, but also include granitoids, gneisses and migmatites of the Barue Complex.
Two main orogenies are recognised, the Iumide belt (1800-1350 Ma) in the northwest and
the Ubiquitous Mozambique Belt (1100-850 Ma), with evidence of extensive migmatisation
and granitisation as well as various granitoids and supracrustals; together these terrains
constitute about 90% of the Precambrian rocks of
Mozambique. The Neoproterozoic Cycle (800-410
Ma) is marked by the the formation of the small platform
basins, as well as the influence of the Pan-African
(Katangan) orogeny in the northwest, and by the
emplacement of monzonites, syenites, granites and
pegmatites. Carboniferous to upper Jurassic rifting
associated with sedimentation and widespread igneous
activity led to numerous intercratonic Karroo basins,
followed by Post-Karroo continental deposits and volcanics,
as well as Meso-Cenozoic continental and
marine deposits, and a thick Plioctocine and
Quaternary cover.
Fig 1: Mineral and rock deposit map of Mozambique
Geological Mapping
MINERAL RESOURCE AND GEOLOGICAL
INFORMATION IN MOZAMBIQUE
BY NATIONAL DIRECTORATE OF GEOLOGY OF MOZAMBIQUE
The economic mineral potential is largely untapped.
Gold has been produced from the Archean Manica
Greenstone Belt and various alluvial occurrences; large
BIF deposits are also known in this terrain. Numerous
pegmatite fields host important deposits of tantalumniobium,
rare earths and semi-precious stones. In
addition, heavy-mineral sands, graphite, flourite,
apatite, bauxite, dimension stone, various clays, sands,
refractory minerals, limestone, coal and natural gas
form the bulk of the mineral endowment of the country.
After national independence, the government of Mozambique launched an increased geological
study for mineral exploration and geological mapping in the country which resulted
in identification of several new mineral deposits. However, in 1983 when the civil war
intensified the geological mapping and mineral exploration fieldworks were forced to be
14

educed to a large extent. In 1999 the government relaunched extensive geological studies
over the large parts of the country, in order to increase the geological information availability
and archiving it systematically for publishing and promotional purposes. During this
period the National Directorate of Geology undertook the following activities:
- Geological mapping of Niassa and Manica Greenstone Belts
> From 1999 up to 2000: Ngoo, Cobue and Lupilichi in Niassa Province;
> From 2002 up to 2003: sheets 1437 and 1438 in Niassa-Nampula Provinces; and
about 25,000 Km 2, which covered the districts of Cuamba, Metarica, Muoco,
Nipepe, Ribáuè, Iapala, Malema and Mutuali;
- Geological prospection in selected areas
> In 1999, the field work covering 280 km 2 was directed to exploring ornamental
stones in Gorongosa area and two types of rocks with economic interest were identified:
* Granito negro (olivínic gabbro and dolorito) in Mfumo Domba, Monte
Ndemera, Monte Nhade areas;
* Granito róseo (granular granite and granitoides) in Serra Carabina and Serra da
Gorongosa areas.
> In 2000, the field work in Espungabera area was carried out and 297 km 2 was covered
with promising areas of granito negros:
* Basalto de Chinica, Monte Cibeche, Corneana de Rio Caja, Chirarue, Monte
Chicono, Basalto do Monte Mangala.
* Xisto Ardósio, sources of thermal water in Vira-Vira and Régulo Wilson zone.
> In 2002, Tete Province was explored covering 499 km 2 with:
* Granitos (negro, castanho) with economic interest in Nhatipissa, Ratoneira,
Nhambia, Txisita, Buzimuana, Moatize e
Catema; along Tete-Songo in Cahora Bassa
region.
> In 2003 the fieldwork was undertaken in Cahora
Bassa and Changara Districts and granites were
identified in Maroeira, Nditi, Cahora Bassa,
Kadzipande and Thaka areas.
- Development of Geological Infrastructure Project
Geological mapping project with the aim of
improving the existing geological information and
acquiring new information using different methodologies
is underway at present. This project has the
following geological mapping tasks (see Fig 2):
> Comprehensive re-mapping of areas underlain
by Precambrian rocks (Areas A, B, C, and D) at
a scale of 1:250,000 and selected 1:50,000 map
sheets.
> Revision of the geology of the Phanerozoic
rocks (Area C)
> Introduction of contemporary, systematic lithostratigraphic
classification
> Production of modern geological map coverage
and explanations in digital format
Fig 2: Mapping index for scale 1:250,000
15

Geological mapping of Area A
Between 2003 and 2004 a consortium of three European companies namely the
Norconsult, Norway Geological Survey and British Geological Survey, performed the geological
mapping and covered 31 map sheets in Niassa and Cabo Delgado Province.
Geological mapping of Area B
The Geological Survey of Finland (GTK), ITC and Gondwana consortium undertook the
geological mapping of 24 map sheets in Tete Province and parts of Manica, Sofala and
Zambézia provinces.
Geological mapping of Area C
The mapping of the southern region of Mozambique was done by GTK, ITC and
Gondwana from 2003 up to 2005 covering 29 map sheets.
Geological mapping of Area D
The South African Council for Geoscience (CGS) and the National Directorate of
Geology of Mozambique (DNG) undertook the geological mapping of 12 map sheets in
Nampula, Zambézia and Tete Provinces from 2001 to 2004.
Aeromagnetic and Radiometric Survey
The historical geophysical data set, from early 1970’s,
covering the northern part of Mozambique was conducted
by CGG of France. The survey included total
magnetic field and total count radiometrics.
The second set of airborne geophysical data covering
the central zone, which included gamma-ray spectrometric
measurements (TC, Th, U, K) was conducted by
Hunting Geophysics between 1982 and 83. The data
is available at the National Directorate of Geology in
digital format.
As part of the geological infrastructure development
project, regional and detail aeromagnetic and radiometric
surveys were conducted by FUGRO on selected
areas. The survey details for the regional survey, flown
in 2003/04, were as follows:
• Line spacing and trend of 1,000 meters at 90o , with
gradiometer;
• Tie line spacing and trend of 10,000 meters at 180o ,
with gradiometer;
• Sensor clearance: magnetic and radiometric at 100
meters;
• Data recorded: magnetic total field horizontal gra-
Fig 3: Geophysical data coverage of Mozambique
diometry and Gamma Ray Spectrometry; and
• Data sampling: magnetic and radiometric at 8.5 meters (0.1 sec).
16

Detailed airborne survey for total magnetic and gamma-ray spectrometric data was
acquired in 2004/05 on 6 selected areas. Survey details were as follows
• Line spacing and trend of 300 meters at 90 o , with gradiometer
• Tie line spacing and trend of 3 000 meters at 000 o , with gradiometer
• Sensor clearance: magnetic and radiometric at 80 meters
• Data recorded: magnetic total field horizontal gradiometry and Gamma Ray
Spectrometry
• Data sampling: magnetic 7 meters (0.1 sec) and radiometric at 70 meters (0.1 sec)
The digital gridded data set is available at DNG and consists of the following individual
data grids in GEOSOFT format, gridded at 250m cell size:
* Total field magnetic, reduced to the pole magnetic, calculated vertical gradient, calculated
horizontal gradient, analytical signal, IGRF corrected magnetic;
* Potassium %, equivalent uranium ppm, equivalent thorium ppm, natural air absorbed
rate, uranium/thorium ratio, uranium/potassium ratio, thorium/potassium ratio, digital
terrain model;
* Line data (Magnetic): Line Number, GPS time, fiducial, date, flight, aircraft registration,
GPS latitude/longitude in WGS84 , X / Y co-ordinates in UTM, magnetic raw,
residual diurnal correction, magnetic levelled, radar altitude, barometric altitude, terrain
elevation and
* Line data (Radiometric): Line Number, GPS time, fiducial, date, flight, aircraft registration,
interpolated latitude/longitude in WGS84, Interpolated X/Y co-ordinate in
UTM, raw total count, raw potassium, raw uranium, raw thorium, processed potassium,
processed uranium, processed thorium, radar altitude, barometric altitude, terrain
elevation, temperature.
Geochemical surveys
The first significant geochemical exploration work was
carried out by Borches. From 1970 to 1974 geochemical
exploration was conducted on a broader scale,
mostly by Portuguese and French teams, and by the end
of 1974 about 19% of the country had been surveyed at
the reconnaissance and regional levels mostly for base
metals.
Most of the major geochemical surveys carried out at
this period were executed by private companies with
technical assistance of geologists from the National
Institute of Geology of Mozambique. About 270,000
km 2 or 34% of the country was surveyed using various
geochemical sampling methods.
Most of the geochemical data was available only as
hard copy maps and data tables. Original heterogeneous
data (methodology, elements, missing results)
had to be gathered in order to establish the use of
existing information. Maps had to be scanned, georeferenced
and digitized which involved considerable
amount of manual work. In these surveys only base
Fig 4: Status of Geochemical survey of Mozambique (2004)
metals have been analysed by AAS. Gold was not
analysed. New surveys with multi-element analysis generally cover only small areas.
17

During the GEODESA project of SEAMIC in 1998 and 1999, different digital data sets
of Manica, Tete and Zambezia Provinces were digitized, which included the following:
• The sample locations including the assay (Cu, Co, Ni, Zn) of Mavita-Gogoi area in
Manica Province;
• Generation of Mineral Occurrence data set from the same map (commodity, type of
mineralization, location and commodity number);
• Digitalization of sample location points from Regional reconnaissance and follow up
geochemical maps and join assay data (Cu, Co, Ni, Zn, Pb) scanned to MS Excel;
• The UNDP Geochemical maps (Cu, Co, Ni, Pb, Cr, Mo, Zn) of Tete province namely
Monte Caperimbeua, Rio Máuè, Cadzomba, Metengobalame, Macungua, Cacomue,
Dezenza, Chitipi, Capitaciria, Namadende, Domue and Furancungo have been digitised
and the data are available;
• The data set from Zambezia Province done by Aquater (20 elements) was converted to
MS Excel format which can be imported into any GIS package; and
• Under Greenstone Belt project (Lupiliche-Metangula, Niassa province) - Geological,
geochemical, stream sediment samples, rock samples and ternary maps at a scale
1:50,000 have been produced and digitized.
As part of Mineral Resource Management Capacity Building Project, Geochemical and
Industrial Mineral Surveys (GIM) were started in March 2005 by a consortium of GTK
and Gondwana Ltd. The survey is expected to be completed by the end of 2007.
The project was divided into three phases:
- Phase I: Compilation and synthesis of existing data (info of earlier geochemical surveys,
available samples (including reanalysis), design of GDB, training, GIS)
a) Scanning of the maps (map mosaics)
b) Georeferencing
c) On-the-screen digitizing (data tables):
1) sample points
2) calculating the coordinates (UTM/ WGS 84/Zone 36S - metric system)
3) adding the analytical data into data tables
d) the Survey Information Table (SIT); METADATA
e) the Analysis Data Tables (ADT) containing the actual analytical and coordinate
data (UTM/WGS 84 -Zone 36S).
- Phase II: Execution of new surveys (two stages: fieldwork and training)
1) regional soil sampling survey, and
2) detailed soil-sampling
- Phase III: Final Products (GDB with existing survey data)
18
National Directorate of Geology
Praca 25 de Junho No. 380
PO Box 215
Maputo - Mozambique

New Director General
New SEAMIC member
Kenya officially became the seventh member
of SEAMIC as of 1st July 2006 by signing
and submitting to the Centre the
instrument of accession. Kenya had been
actively participating as observer in most of
the policy organ meetings for the last several
years and has also been utilising SEAM-
IC facilities and services.
Upgrading of SEAMIC Library
News
Upon successful completion of his four year term as the Director
General of SEAMIC, Dr. Diamantino Pedro Azevedo left
SEAMIC in June 2006. The Governing Council of SEAMIC, in
its 26th regular meeting held in Dar es Salaam on 12th May 2006,
appointed a new Director General, Mr. Ketema Tadesse from
Ethiopia. Mr. Ketema Tadesse was the Director General of the
Geological Survey of Ethiopia before he was appointed to this
post. Mr. Ketema has also served as the Chairman of the Board
of Directors of SEAMIC since 1998. He started his assignment
as the new Director General of SEAMIC on 14th July 2006
Through the financial support granted by UNESCO, SEAMIC was able to upgrade its
library. The upgrading includes installation of airconditioning in the library , increasing
the number of shelves, organising a reading place for users, and introducing new journal
and magazine shelves. Additional books were also purchased through this support to
increase the volume and variety of publications in the library.
19

TRAINING
Gem cutting
The newly introduced gem cutting course was first held during 9-27 January 2006 to six
participants from the member countries. The second one was conducted to three interested
clients from 3rd to 21st April 2006. Two more gem cutting training courses were conducted
from 3rd to 21st July and 30th October to 17th November 2006 with five and six
participants respectively.
Training participants at a gem cutting training session (left) and attending gemmology (right) training courses
Gemmology
The regularly delivered “Introduction to Gemmology” course continued. The 31st, 32nd
and 33rd courses were conducted by the Mineralogy, Petrology and Gemmology Section
during 20-24 March, 26-30 June and 20-24 November 2006 respectively. In total thirty
seven participants, from Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya, attended the course. A tailor-made
course for two participants was also carried out from 24 to 28 July 2006.
Mineral Processing
A training course on mineral processing techniques was
organised jointly by the Mineral Processing and Chemical
and Environmental Sections from 13 February to 24
March 2006 for three participants from Uganda.
A one week training course on sampling of gold and other
precious metals, which was conducted by an expert from
the British Geological Survey (BGS), was attended by four
participants from the SEAMIC member States and one
participant from Malawi. The course was organized at SEAMIC from 3 to 7 April 2006.
GIS Web Mapping
A training course on GIS Web Mapping
and Data Standards was carried out from 6
to 17 March 2006, and was facilitated by a
web mapping expert from the British
Geological Survey. The course included the
use of open source and free software on web
GIS mapping, namely Map Server, and different
international standards used in web
mapping. Seven participants from the
member countries attended the course.
20

Attachment
During the month of July and August 2006 students from the Department of Chemical
and Mineral Processing Engineering of the University of Dar es Salaam were on
attachment for eight weeks in the Laboratory Services Department of SEAMIC for
practical training. The students were able to gain experience in analytical and ore testing
methods.
ITC Refresher Course
ITC Refresher course was organised for the second time at SEAMIC. The two weeks
training course titled “Novel approaches in earth observation and geo-information science for
earth scientist” was carried out by experts from the International Institute for Geo-information
Science and earth Observation (ITC) of the Netherlands from 9th to 20th October
2006. This course was designed for earth scientists engaged in exploration, environmental
geology or reconnaissance mapping and was attended by the alumni of ITC. 21 participants
from 10 African countries, namely: Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique,
Namibia, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda Zambia and Zimbabwe attended the course, which
was fully sponsored by the Netherlands government. The objectives of the course were:
∗ To communicate on the current state-ofthe-art
in earth observation, mobile GIS
and digital field data capture techniques
and data integration approaches;
∗ To develop conceptual framework for
understanding the potential new sources
of information from earth observation
techniques and their applicability in
Earth sciences;
∗ To assist in the development of strategies
for data acquisition directed towards the
specific need of the earth scientist;
∗ Τo provide insight into where data can
be retrieved and how data (field-based
and earth observation data) can be integrated;
and
∗ To develop multidisciplinary attitude and foster creativity in analysing and solving
earth science problems through the use of earth observation or geo-information technologies.
CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS
Environmental Impact Assessment
A workshop on environmental impact assessment (EIA) was organized from 20 to 24
February 2006 at SEAMIC. Delegates for the workshop were from Angola, Ethiopia,
Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda and SEAMIC. The participants’ background
included mining company employees, consultants, government ministries and other government
bureaus. The delegates were contacted for provision of additional information on
their experience and expertise, prior to the workshop, by Dr Paul Mitchell, the workshop
facilitator from the British Geological Survey. Participants also made short presentations
on different aspects of the EIA process in their respective national context, during the
workshop.
21

Integrated Resources Planning: Fostering Minerals Clusters
The workshop on “Integrated Resources Planning: Fostering Minerals Clusters”, which
aimed to address the capacity gaps on management of the mineral resources sector identified
at the level of government institutions in Africa was held in Maputo, Mozambique
from 11 to 14 April 2006. The workshop was attended by 85 participants including officials
from 16 African countries.
formulation.
The main objectives of the workshop was to
create a critical mass of informed policy
makers in the sectoral ministries responsible
for mining as well as in the ministries of
planning, finance and economic development,
raise their awareness on the potential
of minerals clusters in supporting long-term
economic development and growth, provide
them with tools for mineral policy design
and implementation, and enhance their
knowledge and capacity in mineral-related
subjects, which are important to create a conducive
environment for mineral resources
development. With focus on minerals clustering,
the workshop covered economic and
legal issues, as well as the process of policy
The workshop was jointly organized by ECA, UNCTAD, the Southern and Eastern
African Mineral Centre (SEAMIC), the Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law
and Policy (CEPMLP) of the University of Dundee, MINTEK of South Africa, DFID of
UK, and the government of Mozambique.
Management of Geological Surveys
The Centre organised a two-days workshop
on “Management of Geological Surveys:
Mandate and Financing” from 8the to 9th
May 2006. The workshop was facilitated by
Dr. David Ovadia and Dr. David Morgan
of the British Geological Survey (BGS) and
was attended by Directors of the Geological
Surveys of the member States and other
countries in the region. The aim of the
workshop was to create a forum for interaction
of geological infrastructure development
stakeholders to discuss the mandates
of Geological Survey Organisations and
what public should expect from their activities.
The workshop discussed, among
other things the following topics:
∗ Current status of the geological surveys in Africa;
∗ How can their relevance be improved and have impact on decision makers;
∗ Lessons to be learnt from surveys in other continents; and
∗ Capacity building efforts in the national geological surveys.
22

Shareholders Agreement Conference
The long awaited, ratification of the Shareholders Agreement concept has been effected by
Mozambique, Tanzania and Angola. Upon the decision of the 26th Governing Council
meeting, a conference was held on 27th November 2006 that constituted the representatives
from member States of SEAMIC, the private sector and academic institutions to discuss
on the shareholding concept and the restructuring of SEAMIC to accommodate the
changes. The conference also discussed the implementation of the shareholding concept
once it is approved by the Governing Council with an incentive to attract the participation
of the private sector and other stakeholders to ensure financial sustainability of SEAMIC.
The conference was attended by participants from geological survey organisations of
SEAMIC member States and European countries, the private sector and other government
institutions.
MEETINGS
Governing Council Meeting
The 26th meeting of the Governing Council of SEAMIC was held on 12th May 2006 at
SEAMIC in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Angola, Ethiopia, Mozambique Tanzania, Uganda
and the UNECA attended the meeting. Kenya was also in attendance as observer. The
Governing Council meeting was preceded by the ninth meeting of the Standing
Committee of Officials, which was held from 10 to 11 May 2006.
Major decisions made by the 26th Governing Council meeting included:
∗ Appointment of the new Director General;
∗ Approval of the Annual Report for 2005/2006;
∗ Approval of the Auditors Report for 2004/2005; and
∗ Approval of the Work Programme and Budget for 2006/2007.
23

COMING EVENTS
MEETINGS
Governing Council Meeting
The 27th Governing Council Meeting will be held in May 2007 in Maputo, Mozambique.
Board of Directors Meeting
The meeting of the Board of Directors of SEAMIC will be held in Maputo in May 2007.
TRAINING
Gemmology and Gem cutting
• Gem cutting, polishing and treatment: 8 - 26 January, 2 - 20 April 2007
• Gemmology: 19 - 23 February, 18 - 22 June 2007
Chemical Laboratory
• Modern Laboratory Management Methods: 5 - 9 February 2007
• Environmental Technologies, 11 - 15 June 2007
Mineral Processing
• Preparation of pre-feasibility studies for small mining projects: 5 - 9 February 2007
• Ore testing and process development: 5 - 16 March 2007
• Sampling of geological materials: 9 - 13 April 2007
• Use of computers for the evaluation of mineral laboratory test data: 11 - 15 June 2007
Pottery and Ceramic Technology
• Basic pottery/ceramic for beginners: 12 - 16 March, 16 - 20 April, 7 - 11 May 2007
• Advanced pottery/ceramic technology: 12 - 16 February, 11 - 15 June 2007
Geo-information
• Introduction to ArcGIS: 19 - 23 February 2007
• Geological map making using GIS: 19 - 23 March 2007
• Applications of remote sensing in geology and mineral exploration: 16 - 20 April 2007
• GIS principles and applications: 14 - 18 May 2007
• Geophysical and geochemical data capture and processing: 11 - 15 June 2007
WORKSHOP
Workshop on Geological Services
SEAMIC will organise a workshop on geological services in May 2007 in Maputo,
Mozambique.
24

Southern and Eastern African Mineral Centre
SEAMIC
Training
• Mineral laboratory management
• Environmental analysis and Environmental
Impact Assessment studies
• Mineral testing methods
• Gemmology and gem cutting
• Geophysics, geochemistry, environmental
geology and geosciences data handling
• GIS and remote sensing applications
• Mineral exploration and geological mapping
• Resource and reserve modelling
• Sampling and preparation of geological
materials
Grading and Certification
• Gem identification, grading and certification
• Diamond grading
• Gem cutting
• Cabochon polishing
• Bead making
• Bead drilling
• Gemstone Enhancement
• Consultancy on all aspects related to lapidary
Geo-information Services
• Scanning, digitizing and plotting of maps
• GIS compilation and applications
• Regional mineral databases
• Airborne radiometric data calibration
• Geophysical surveying for underground
water and mineral exploration
Technical Assistance
• Integrated prospecting techniques for survey,
geological structure, remote sensing
and geophysical prospecting
• Assistance for modernization of small to
medium scale mining operations
• Investigations on environmental protection
• Geotechnical investigation
• Feasibility studies for small to medium
scale mining projects
Your Mineral Services Provider
Analytical services
• Sample preparation
• Wet Chemistry for whole rock analysis
• Mineral beneficiation such as mineral separation
and leaching
• XRF and XRD analysis
• Fire assay gold analysis and purification
• AAS, Graphite furnace and hydride generation
analysis
• Rock and mineral identification
• Petrological and mineralogical analysis
• ICP analysis
• Mercury Analysis
Mineral Applications
• Evaluation, product design and prototype
production
• Processing and upgrading
• Ceramic production technology
Research and Development
• Evaluation of raw materials for industrial
application
• Optimisation of mineral recovery operations
• Development of granulation system for the
beneficiation of phosphate ore
• Development of ceramic tableware, low
tension electrical insulators and fire clay
crucibles
• Development of geo-database and web
mapping
• Development of safe methods for disposal
of hazardous chemical wastes
Consultancy Services
• Industrial minerals application
• Preparation of bankable feasibility studies
for small to medium scale mining projects
• Evaluation of environmental impact
assessment studies
• GIS data base design and development
• Geo data processing and GIS system
development
• Mineral ground water exploration
• Management of mineral wealth
• Development of Mineral recovery system.

SEAMIC
southern and eastern african mineral centre
KUNDUCHI BEACH AREA
P.O.Box 9573
Dar es Salaam,Tanzania
Telephone: (255 22) 2650321/47
Fax: (255 22) 2650319
E-mail: seamic@seamic.org
Website: www.seamic.org
your mineral services provider