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Project Overview

Economic Transformation in Artisanal and Small-Scale Mines through Innovative Techniques for the Recovery of Remnant Gold and Valuable By-Products from Gold Tailings in Tanzania and Zimbabwe is a collaborative research project involving researchers from the University of Dodoma (UDOM), Midlands State University, and the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development of Zimbabwe.

The project is funded by the Research Council of Zimbabwe (RCZ) and the Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH). It focuses on improving economic and environmental outcomes in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) communities through innovative recovery technologies.

Gold mining plays a significant role in the economic growth of both Tanzania and Zimbabwe by creating employment opportunities, supporting livelihoods, and contributing to local incomes. However, gold processing activities generate large volumes of tailings that still contain valuable minerals and strategic metals such as silver, copper, antimony, iron, zinc, lead, nickel, lithium, and related by-products.

Currently, many ASM operations do not recover these valuable by-products, resulting in economic losses and environmental pollution. The project therefore seeks to develop economically viable and environmentally sustainable methods for recovering remnant gold and valuable metals from gold tailings.

Through research conducted at ASM sites in various mining regions of Tanzania and Zimbabwe, the project aims to identify efficient processing technologies that can improve mineral recovery, increase income generation, and support environmental protection. The long-term goal is to promote sustainable and economically transformative ASM practices that contribute to regional economic development.

PhD Position at The University of Dodoma 2026

The University of Dodoma (UDOM) is inviting applications from qualified Tanzanian candidates for one fully funded PhD position focusing on the development of economically viable extraction processes for metals contained in mining tailings.

About the PhD Research Project

The selected PhD student will conduct research on developing cost-effective extraction methods for metals found in tailings. The project will support the research component of the PhD programme for three years at UDOM.

Required Qualifications

Applicant must be a Tanzanian national.
Must hold an M.Sc. in Mineral Processing Engineering, Metallurgy, Chemistry, or related fields.
Should possess strong scientific writing skills and experience in research methodologies.
Must be willing to conduct research in Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM).
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision is required.
Applicants should be capable of working in an interdisciplinary research team.

Expectations for the Successful Candidate

Produce a doctoral thesis within three years according to UDOM PhD regulations.
Publish at least three peer-reviewed journal articles during the PhD programme.
Attend at least one national or international conference during the study period.

How to Apply

Apply through the UDOM Online Application System (UOAS).
The application fee is TZS 50,000 and is non-refundable.
Attach a research synopsis including:
- Title of the Study
- Motivation for the Study
- Problem Statement
- General Objective
- Specific Objectives
- Methodological Approach
Send one PDF file containing all required documents to: justin.ntalikwa@udom.ac.tz