It is reported that the Rukwa Regional Commissioner Ms Stella Manyanya has advised the central government to develop and exploit the rich coal deposits in Sumbawanga District with a view to expediting people development.

According to the geological survey carried out by a Norwegian Geologist Mr F Ruden 23 years ago, there are approximately 18 million metric tonnes in Rukwa region.

She expressed her confidence that when fully exploited, the coal from the rich coal reserves in the region would significantly boost not only the region but the country's economy at large. RC added that "The amount of coal currently being exploited is too little compared to the enormous amount of coal deposits that exist."

While 10 million tonnes of coal at Muze village along the Lake Rukwa Basin and five million tonnes at Namwele village in Sumbawanga district and three million tonnes at Nkomolo village in Nkasi district. Coal once extracted can be used for generating electricity, burning bricks and tiles, curing tobacco, smoking fish and cooking in households, hotels and institutions.

(Sourced from Tanzania Daily News)