GEITA GOLD MINING SPONSORS THE GEOLOGISTS' GENERAL MEETING IN ARUSHA

Exploration Superintendent from Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML), Eric Kalondwa (right) receives an award for the best sponsor of the Annual General Meeting of the Association of Geologists (GST) from Minister of Minerals Dr. Dotto Biteko (left). Kalondwa received the award on behalf of GGML, the company that has been sponsoring the event every year. This year it was held in the city of Arusha

In support of the growth of various fields in the country, Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML) has ventured to be the main sponsor of the annual general meeting of Tanzanian geologists held in Arusha region.

The meeting which started on October 4 is expected to end on October 7 this year and is being coordinated by the Tanzania Geology Association (TGS) which is estimated to have more than 300 members.

Speaking to our reporter, the Exploration Superintendent at GGML Company, Eric Kalondwa said that GGML Company has provided 25 million Tanzanian shillings to sponsor the meeting opened by the Minister of Mines, Dr. Dotto Biteko on behalf of the Vice President, Dr. Philip Mpango and is expected to be closed by the Minister of Water, Juma Aweso.

He said that in the meeting which is held every year in different regions, a total of 11 geologists from Geita region have participated. Among the 11 participants, there are only three women, a situation that he said was caused by various emergencies including maternity leave.

"Currently we have not had many female geologists to reach 50/50 percent equality but we hope it can be achieved because in this meeting there are new members who will be registered," he said.

He added that the meeting is aimed at sharing experiences because there are various programs aimed at bringing together people with similar fields.

He said that GGML employees, who are also from the field of geology, have benefited in various ways since the establishment of the association.

He said this year's meeting aims to focus on the issue of establishing the board of geologists, especially considering that the field includes people from different areas, including oil extraction, water, different types of minerals and gold.

However, he acknowledged the challenge of lack of women to the field, but encouraged women to study geology as it does not require great strength to meet the criteria of becoming a geologist.

"GGML is really doing well in developing geologists from practical trainees and those who come to work. Those who pass through our mine certainly praise them for the great tradition we provide them according to the annual program that we prepare for them," he said.

Geoscientists are educated and experienced experts in the fields of geology (rocks), geophysics, geochemistry, geotechnology and environmental geology and others.

Initially opening the meeting, the Minister of Minerals Dr. Biteko said the ministry is in the final stages of completing the process of establishing a board of geologists and added that, after the Government completes its part, it will give an opportunity to stakeholders to express their views on how the board should be formed, how it will be managed, issues that will involve sources of funds and look at legal issues.

He added that, when the Government is finalizing the process of creating a board of geologists, it is important that geologists ensure that they develop the profession of geology in order to give the country respect, including enabling those who are able to get accurate information and thus attract more investment in the Mining sector.

He also asked Geologists in the country to ensure that they honor their profession by not allowing dishonest people to interfere with their professional duties due to the importance of research activities for the development of the Mining Sector and the Nation.

In addition, the President of the Association of Geological Experts in Tanzania, Prof. Abdulkarim Mruma explained to the audience about the geological wealth that the country of Tanzania is blessed to have and explained the best way to use the profession for the development of the country and the whole society.