By Charles Mkoka
Tanzania has extended an open invitation to global mineral research companies to partner with the government in advancing its ambitious Mining Vision 2030 — a strategic plan to expand in-depth mineral exploration across 50% of the country’s landmass by 2030.
The move signals Tanzania’s bold push to position itself as a key player in the global mining sector and unlock the full potential of its vast mineral wealth.
The call was made by the Minister of Minerals, Mr. Anthony Mavunde, during a high-profile meeting in Toronto, Canada, where he addressed a gathering of mineral ministers, industry leaders, and civil society organizations at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference — one of the world’s largest mining investment conventions.
“Under the visionary leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania has created an investment-friendly environment that prioritizes transparency, stability, and collaboration,” said Mavunde. “We are offering a golden opportunity for mineral research companies to join hands with the government in accelerating our strategy to unlock untapped mineral potential across the country.”
Tanzania’s mining landscape remains largely underexplored, with only 16% of the country currently mapped for in-depth mineral research.
The government’s goal is to triple that coverage within the next six years, tapping into the country’s rich deposits of gold, nickel, graphite, rare earth minerals, and other strategic resources critical to the global energy transition.
Mavunde acknowledged that the scale of the vision cannot be achieved by the government alone, making private sector collaboration a central pillar of the plan.
“Tanzania is a peaceful nation with stable leadership and immense mineral potential, but covering 50% of the land area for in-depth mineral research is no small feat. The private sector will be instrumental in turning this vision into reality,” he emphasized.
His remarks come at a time when global demand for critical minerals is surging, driven by the clean energy transition and technological advancements.
With Tanzania’s strategic mineral reserves, the country is positioning itself to become a major supplier of minerals like graphite — a key component in electric vehicle batteries.
In a bid to ensure inclusive participation in the sector, Mavunde also directed the CEO of the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO), Dr. Venance Mwasse, to explore ways of equipping small-scale miners with preliminary mineral research tools.
The move aims to empower artisanal miners to better identify promising areas for mapping and enhance their contribution to the sector’s growth.
“Mapping services alone are not enough. Small-scale miners need the right tools to pinpoint mineral-rich zones independently. By bridging this technology gap, we can uplift local miners and create a more inclusive mining ecosystem,” said Mavunde.
With political stability, favorable investment laws, and vast untapped mineral resources, Tanzania is positioning itself as a prime destination for mining investment in Africa. The invitation to global mineral research firms is not just about tapping into expertise — it's a strategic shift toward leveraging partnerships to accelerate economic transformation.
As Africa continues to grapple with the legacy of aid dependency, Tanzania’s Mining Vision 2030 represents a refreshing blueprint — one that prioritizes self-reliance through resource wealth rather than external assistance.
If executed effectively, the initiative could serve as a model for how African nations can harness their natural resources to drive sustainable development without falling into the trap of perpetual aid cycles.
With the clock ticking towards 2030, the real question is whether Tanzania can turn its mineral riches into a catalyst for long-term economic independence — or whether the continent's wealth will once again flow outwards, leaving its people on the margins of prosperity.