Gold Detecting in Tanzania — Mwanza, Geita, and the Reef Belt

Tanzania’s gold belt produces more ounces than Kenya and Zambia combined — but artisanal detector use is just starting to scale. Here’s what you need to know.

The geography

The Lake Victoria Goldfields stretch from Mwanza in the north to Singida in the south. Greenstone host rock, heavy iron mineralisation, deep regolith. Mining is dominated by industrial operators (AngloGold Ashanti, Barrick), but artisanal mining is legal under PML licences.

Permit basics

Apply for a Primary Mining Licence (PML) via the Ministry of Minerals (mining-commission.go.tz). 5-year term, renewable. Artisanal access via existing PML holders is common.

Detector requirements

Same story as the Copperbelt: VLF detectors get smothered by iron oxide signature. The Garrett Axiom is the proven setup. Pre-calibrate to Mwanza soil profile before shipping — ask us to set the “Mwanza preset” (Ground Balance 3, Sensitivity 16, Threshold +2).

Shipping to Tanzania

We ship from Nairobi or Mombasa via DHL or SGR-bonded transport — typically 3-5 days to Mwanza, 5-7 days to Mbeya or Songea. WhatsApp +254 114 701 703 to arrange.