Dodoma. Tanzania and Canada have agreed to deepen cooperation in advanced mineral exploration, a move expected to unlock new investment opportunities, improve geological data availability and accelerate the transformation of Tanzania’s mining sector.
The partnership was announced on June 16, 2026, following talks between the Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, and the Canadian Ambassador to Tanzania, Emily Burns, in Dodoma.
The agreement comes as Tanzania intensifies efforts to increase the area covered by detailed geological surveys from the current 16 percent to 50 percent by 2030 under the country’s Mining Vision 2030 strategy.
Mr Mavunde said the government is determined to shift the mining industry away from speculative exploration and towards data-driven extraction supported by reliable geological information.
“We want mining activities to be guided by science and accurate geological data. This will reduce uncertainty, improve investment decisions and maximize the value of Tanzania’s mineral resources,” he said.
The minister noted that inadequate geological information has long been a challenge, particularly for small-scale miners, many of whom invest heavily in exploration activities without sufficient data on mineral deposits.
According to him, comprehensive geological surveys will help reduce unnecessary risks, save resources and increase the likelihood of successful mining operations.
The planned collaboration is expected to strengthen Tanzania’s geological knowledge base while positioning the country as a more attractive destination for both local and international investors seeking opportunities in the mining sector.
Mr Mavunde said Canada’s willingness to support Tanzania’s mineral development agenda demonstrates the growing confidence of international partners in the country’s mining reforms and long-term vision.
He further directed the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) to identify strategic areas that will be prioritised during the implementation of the programme, assuring that the government will provide the necessary support to ensure its success.
For her part, Ambassador Burns said Canada was encouraged by Tanzania’s Mining Vision 2030 and the government's commitment to developing the sector through innovation, technology and sustainable resource management.
She said Canada is ready to support advanced geological exploration programmes using modern airborne geophysical survey technologies, which have proven effective in identifying mineral-rich zones and improving the quality of geological data.
“Reliable geological information is essential for attracting responsible investment and unlocking the full potential of mineral resources. Canada is committed to strengthening its partnership with Tanzania in this important area,” she said.
The Geological Survey of Tanzania Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Ally Samaje, said the partnership is expected to begin with detailed exploration work in Block No. 1 in the Lake Zone and Block No. 5 in northeastern Tanzania.
The two areas have been identified as priority locations in the institution’s exploration programme for the coming financial year.
Mr Samaje said the surveys will generate critical geological information that can guide investment decisions, support exploration activities and contribute to sustainable development within the mining sector.
Industry stakeholders view the initiative as a significant step towards modernising mineral exploration in Tanzania and reducing the information gaps that have historically limited investment and efficient resource extraction.
As global demand for critical minerals continues to rise, the Tanzania-Canada partnership is expected to strengthen the country's ability to identify new mineral deposits, attract capital and support the government’s broader objective of increasing mining’s contribution to economic growth and national development.
