Aseel Oilfield Services and the Government of Zanzibar have started a mineral exploration project as the archipelago seeks to diversify its economy.

Zanzibar sees the potential for mineral deposits on both Unguja and Pemba islands.

Aseel Oilfield Services Limited and the Ministry of Water, Energy, and Minerals of Zanzibar have jointly launched research activities that represent a significant milestone in the development of Zanzibar’s mining sector.

Mr Joseph Kilangi, The principal secretary in the Ministry of Water, Energy, and Minerals sees geological similarities between Zanzibar and other mineral-rich regions, saying there could be mineral deposits on the islands.
The government is committed to establishing a new economic pillar through mineral exploration.

Residents of the Unguja and Pemba islands were called upon to cooperate with teams from Aseel Oilfield Services and the government carrying out exploration activities.

The Deputy Minister for Water, Energy, and Minerals of Zanzibar, Mr Shaaban Ali Othman officially launched the exploration activities on the island and promised the government’s support to the team, emphasizing the need to maintain momentum throughout the entire phase.

He said the ministry will closely review and analyse biweekly progression reports and strategize in order to establish a sophisticated database for the ministry.

The collaborative initiative is a result of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Aseel Oilfield Services and the Ministry of Water, Energy, and Minerals of Zanzibar in July 2023.

The chairman of Aseel Oilfield Services Group, Mr Iman Al-Jabry, expressed gratitude for the government’s commitment to building a transparent and investor-friendly environment in Zanzibar. He assured both the ministry and the general public of the successful completion of mineral exploration.

The agreement encompasses various large-scale projects, including mining activities in Unguja and Pemba.

News Source:  The Citizen