Tanzania and Canada have agreed to deepen cooperation in mineral exploration and research, a partnership expected to unlock new investment opportunities and enhance the growth of Tanzania’s mining sector.
The discussions were held in Dodoma at the Ministry of Minerals offices located at the Mining Commission building in Kilimani, where the Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde (MP), met with the Canadian Ambassador to Tanzania, Emily Burns.
During the meeting, Minister Mavunde said mineral exploration remains a key priority for the government as it seeks to fully identify and develop the country’s vast mineral resources to attract investment and increase the sector’s contribution to the economy.
He noted that despite Tanzania’s rich mineral potential, only about 16 percent of the country has been covered by detailed airborne geophysical surveys, leaving a large portion still unexplored.
“We have only been able to conduct detailed airborne geophysical surveys in about 16 percent of the country. This means there is still a large area that requires investment in exploration to better understand the mineral potential we have,” said Mavunde.
He explained that Tanzania has already divided the country into six mineral exploration blocks to improve planning and efficiency in geological research.
One block is set to begin exploration under a project supported by the European Union through the Government of Spain, while five blocks remain available for investment.
Minister Mavunde emphasized that the government, under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has continued to improve the investment climate in the mining sector through reforms that simplify procedures, strengthen regulation, and promote transparency.
He invited Canadian companies to take advantage of the existing opportunities in mineral exploration, geological mapping, and mining investment, stressing that Tanzania remains open and ready for strategic partnerships.
“We welcome investors from Canada to come and explore the opportunities available in our mining sector. The government has created a friendly environment that supports investment and ensures mutual benefit,” he added.
On her part, Ambassador Emily Burns commended the Tanzanian government for strengthening cooperation and improving the investment environment in the mining sector.
She said Canada sees strong potential for collaboration with Tanzania, particularly in mineral exploration and mining technology.
She expressed readiness from Canadian companies to invest in Tanzania and support development in the sector.
“We are very interested in strengthening our partnership with Tanzania. Canadian companies are ready to explore investment opportunities in the mining sector and work together in areas of mutual benefit,” said Ambassador Burns.
She further highlighted Canada’s willingness to support technology transfer to small-scale miners, noting that Canadian firms are ready to introduce modern mining and mineral processing equipment to improve efficiency and productivity.
According to her, access to modern technology will help small-scale miners improve safety, increase output, and add value to minerals before they reach the market.
Ambassador Burns also praised Tanzania’s efforts in organizing and supporting small-scale mining activities, saying it provides an important foundation for inclusive growth in the sector.
The two sides agreed to continue strengthening cooperation in geological research, investment promotion, and technology transfer, with the aim of ensuring sustainable development of the mining sector.
The engagement reflects Tanzania’s ongoing commitment to attract investment, expand mineral exploration, and ensure the sector plays a greater role in national economic development under the Sixth Phase Government.
