CAPE TOWN, South Africa: Tanzania is accelerating efforts to attract foreign investment and strengthen its mining sector by forging strategic global partnerships at the Mining Indaba conference in Cape Town.
The country’s delegation, comprising senior government officials, including those from the Ministry of Minerals, is engaging with industry leaders, investors, and experts from around the world.
According to the Minister of Minerals Anthony Mavunde, through these efforts, Tanzania is seeking to unlock its vast mineral resources, improve exploration capabilities, and foster the development of a sustainable mining industry.
Tanzania, rich in precious minerals such as gold, tanzanite, diamonds, and rare earth elements, is positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s mining sector.
With increasing global demand for critical minerals, the Tanzanian government is working to create an environment that attracts investment, fosters collaboration, and drives industrial growth.
Among the major outcomes from the Mining Indaba has been the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) and Tanzania’s Geological Survey and Mineral Research Institute (GST), says Mr Mavunde.
“This partnership is designed to significantly enhance Tanzania’s geoscientific research capacity, particularly in mineral exploration,” he said, adding “The collaboration aims to boost local expertise in interpreting and verifying geological data, a critical component in identifying new mineral deposits.”
The partnership also includes upgrading GST’s laboratory facilities to meet international standards, ensuring that Tanzania’s geological research and mineral analysis can compete on a global scale.
By improving Tanzania’s ability to conduct high-resolution geophysical surveys, the partnership will help uncover previously untapped mineral resources, thereby increasing the country’s attractiveness to international mining investors.
“We are excited to enhance our geological research capacity through this partnership with Finland,” stated the minister, adding, “This will improve our ability to assess and utilise our mineral resources sustainably, enabling us to attract more investment to the country.”
African mining ministers push for domestic value addition to boost economies
U.S. partnership in mineral research and value addition
Mr Mavunde says another key highlight was the engagement with the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA).
Discussions centred on deepening cooperation between Tanzania and the United States in the mining sector, particularly around the exploration and value addition of critical minerals like lithium, graphite, and rare earth elements. The minerals are increasingly in demand globally, driven by the rise of electric vehicles, renewable energy solutions, and high-tech electronics.
Both sides agreed on the importance of conducting in-depth geological surveys and advanced research methodologies to unlock new mineral reserves.
USTDA expressed its commitment to supporting Tanzania’s mining sector through technical assistance and funding for research and development.
“Advanced geological surveys and value addition are vital to unlocking Tanzania’s mining potential,” said USTDA’s Deputy Director, Mr. Thomas Hardy. “Our continued collaboration will help Tanzania develop its mineral wealth while maintaining high environmental and sustainability standards.”
Rio Tinto eyes investment opportunities in Tanzania
The Tanzanian delegation also held high-profile engagement with representatives from Rio Tinto, a global mining leader with over 150 years of experience.
Rio Tinto’s interest in Tanzania is driven by the country’s vast mineral resources, particularly in copper, bauxite and graphite, and the rapidly improving infrastructure such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA).
Minister Mavunde encouraged Rio Tinto to collaborate with Tanzania’s State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) in conducting joint research and accelerating exploration efforts.
The partnership would also facilitate the development of mineral processing plants in Tanzania, creating jobs and adding value to the country’s resources.
Tanzania’s government has been proactive in creating a business-friendly environment to attract investment into the mining sector.
The country’s legal framework allows state-owned entities like STAMICO to enter into joint ventures with international investors, paving the way for increased collaboration.
With global mining companies like Rio Tinto showing strong interest, and international partnerships with organisations like USTDA and GTK, Tanzania’s mining sector is certainly poised for rapid expansion.
The government’s emphasis on sustainable development, environmental protection, and value-added processing is attracting investors who are eager to tap into the country’s vast mineral wealth while contributing to long-term economic growth.
“We are committed to developing a sustainable and efficient mining sector that will drive economic growth, create jobs, and contribute to the global demand for critical minerals,” Minister Mavunde reiterated.