MOSCOW: Tanzania and Russia have agreed to strengthen cooperation in geological research and mineral development, as Tanzania seeks to attract more foreign investment into its fast-growing mining sector.
The discussions took place in Moscow on Thursday during President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s official visit to Russia, where Tanzania’s Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, met Russia’s Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Environment, Dmitry Tetenkin.
Mavunde said Tanzania was looking to expand cooperation with Russia in geological exploration, citing the East African nation’s vast untapped mineral potential and Russia’s advanced expertise in geological research and mining technology.
“Although our mining sector continues to grow rapidly, only about 16 per cent of Tanzania has undergone detailed geological exploration,” Mavunde said during the talks.
He said expanding exploration activities would help generate more reliable geological data, uncover additional mineral deposits and attract further investment into the sector.
Mavunde identified mineral research as a strategic starting point for broader bilateral cooperation, noting Russia’s experience in geological studies and laboratory technology.
The Tanzanian minister also urged Russian authorities to help fast-track the completion of a memorandum of understanding between Tanzania’s Geological Survey and Mineral Research Institute (GST) and a Russian university. The agreement is expected to facilitate joint research, technology transfer and scientific collaboration between the two countries.
He added that Tanzania was also seeking technical training and capacity-building opportunities for local experts in geology and laboratory sciences to support the development of the country’s mining industry.
Tetenkin welcomed Tanzania’s efforts to strengthen economic ties with Russia and said Moscow was ready to support Tanzania in geological research and professional training.
He further proposed a broader government-to-government agreement between the two countries’ mining ministries to outline long-term objectives and areas of cooperation in the sector.
Separately, Mavunde held talks with Sergey Chestnoy, International Director at Russian aluminium giant Rusal, one of the world’s largest aluminium producers. During the meeting, he invited the company to explore investment opportunities in Tanzania’s bauxite sector, including mineral exploration and extraction projects.
Tanzania has been seeking to expand foreign investment in mining as part of broader efforts by President Samia’s administration to boost economic growth and industrial development.
