By Charles Mkoka
The Deputy Minister of Minerals, Dr. Steven Kiruswa, held a strategic meeting with the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Tanzania, H.E. Chen Mingjian, to explore new avenues for cooperation in the mining sector.
The high-level dialogue on March 3, 2025, is part of ongoing efforts to bolster bilateral relations following recent discussions between the Vice President of Tanzania, Dr. Philip Mpango, and Chinese leadership.
The meeting highlighted Tanzania's commitment to strengthening partnerships in mineral research and capacity building, with Dr. Kiruswa emphasizing the crucial role of technological advancement in unlocking the country's vast mineral potential.
The Deputy Minister disclosed that the Ministry of Minerals had identified key areas where China could extend support to accelerate the country's mining sector development.
Dr. Kiruswa noted that discussions focused on areas where the Chinese Government could assist in advancing mineral research and building the capacity of Tanzanian experts. He expressed optimism that the partnership would provide critical technical expertise and funding to help unlock the full potential of Tanzania's mineral resources.
Among the areas identified is the need for financial and technical support to conduct high-resolution airborne geophysical surveys, particularly in the mineral-rich Dodoma Region. These surveys are expected to provide comprehensive data on the country's mineral deposits, enabling more targeted exploration activities.
Another key area involves facilitating training opportunities for Tanzanian geoscientists in advanced technologies, such as geoscientific data collection and processing, which will enhance their technical skills.
Additionally, the introduction of advanced technologies, including drone-based mineral exploration systems, is expected to improve the accuracy and efficiency of mineral exploration activities.
The discussions followed up on a request made by Vice President Mpango, who had earlier appealed to the Chinese Government to support mineral research activities in Tanzania.
In response, the Chinese Government dispatched two experts from the Geological and Research Institute of China to assess Tanzania's research needs and identify potential areas of collaboration.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Minerals offices, was attended by key officials, including the Commissioner of Minerals, Dr. Abdulrahman Mwanga; CEO of the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST), Dr. Mussa Budeba; Director of Geological Services (GST), Dr. Ronald Massawe; and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.
Chinese delegation members included Mr. Chu Kun from the Chinese Embassy, alongside geological experts Mr. Ren Junping and Mr. Sun Kai.
This collaboration marks a significant step in fostering a long-term partnership aimed at enhancing Tanzania's mining sector.
The anticipated exchange of knowledge and technology is expected to not only strengthen mineral exploration capacity but also pave the way for the sustainable development of the country's vast mineral wealth.