Tanzania is set to strengthen its mineral research and exploration capacity through the establishment of a modern Critical and Strategic Minerals Technology Centre under a TZS40 billion partnership with South Korea, in a move aligned with the country’s Mining Vision 2030.
The project, implemented through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2024 between the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) and the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM), will also support the acquisition of advanced mineral research equipment and the rollout of a digital mineral resources information system.
Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde announced the initiative on January 26, 2026, during a meeting with a six-member delegation from South Korea led by KIGAM expert Mr Seong-Jun Cho.
Mr Mavunde said the project underscores the government’s commitment to expanding mineral exploration coverage to at least 50 percent by 2030, in line with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to strengthen the country’s geological data base and attract responsible investment.
“This partnership reflects our determination to enhance mineral research, improve data accuracy and unlock Tanzania’s strategic mineral potential for sustainable economic growth,” he said.
He explained that the project estimated to cost KRW 21.8 billion (about $16.5 million) will focus on establishing a state-of-the-art Minerals Technology Centre, strengthening the capacity of GST experts, implementing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards in mining, and supporting joint digital mapping of mineral resources.
The initiative is expected to improve access to reliable geological information for both small-scale miners and large investors, boosting transparency, efficiency and investment confidence in the sector.
The minister also urged project partners to explore the use of the new technology in other mineral segments, including metallic minerals, to broaden Tanzania’s mineral exploration footprint and improve decision-making across the mining value chain.
In addition, Mr Mavunde highlighted the government’s ongoing Mining for Youth and Women Empowerment Programme (MBT), calling on KIGAM to support further skills development to enhance the participation of young people and women in the sector.
“Beyond strengthening institutional capacity, this project will provide specialized training for small-scale miners, improving productivity, safety and sustainability in their operations,” he said.
Earlier, Mr Cho commended Tanzania for its cooperation and reaffirmed KIGAM’s commitment to the project, which is scheduled to run for five years from 2027 to 2031.
He noted that the programme will initially focus on nickel, a mineral of growing global strategic importance.
The initiative is expected to position Tanzania as a regional leader in critical minerals research, promote responsible mining practices, and support long-term economic transformation through value-driven resource development.