NJOMBE, April 14 -- COAL remains one of Tanzanias most significant yet underutilized natural resources, holding both promise for economic growth and raising important environmental questions.

Found primarily in the southern and southwestern parts of the country, coal deposits have been identified in regions such as Njombe Region, Ruvuma Region and Mbeya Region.

Among the most notable sites is the Kiwira coalfield, which has long been central to Tanzanias ambitions of developing a do mestic energy base.

The importance of coal in Tanzania is closely tied to the countrys broader energy needs.

As demand for electricity continues to grow, driven by population increase, urbanisation and industrial expansion, coal has been viewed as a reliab...