Tanzania is exploring new opportunities to expand mineral value addition and connect its gold and gemstone businesses to international markets through closer cooperation with Qatar.
The opportunity emerged during a visit by Deputy Minister for Minerals Dr Steven Kiruswa to Falcon Gold and Precious Metals Refinery in Doha, where he was briefed on the facility's capacity to process up to 500 kilogrammes of gold a day.
The refinery receives gold from different countries for refining and value addition before it is supplied to international markets, offering Tanzanian officials and mineral traders a practical look at technologies and systems used in the downstream minerals business.
Dr Kiruswa visited the refinery as part of Tanzania's participation in the 2026 Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE), which runs from September 28 to October 3.
The visit included Tanzanian gemstone traders, giving them an opportunity to learn about international jewellery markets, refining processes and potential business partnerships.
For Tanzania, the engagement comes as the government seeks to capture more value from minerals produced in the country by promoting processing, refining and other activities beyond extraction.
"Such engagements provide important lessons on technology, systems and investment opportunities that can support mineral value addition," Dr Kiruswa said during the visit.
The minister also held discussions at the Tanzanian Embassy in Qatar, where Ambassador Habibu Mohamed briefed him on Qatar's mining sector and potential areas for cooperation.
The discussions examined ways Tanzania and Qatar could expand investment and trade in minerals, including opportunities for mineral processing and value addition.
Ambassador Mohamed said Qatar was developing strategic plans to participate more actively in the mining sector, particularly in mining and mineral value addition.
Falcon Gold and Precious Metals Refinery Managing Director Nada Rashid said the company was ready to work with mineral-producing countries, including those in East Africa.
She said the refinery could receive gold feedstock from the region for refining and value addition, potentially giving producers access to modern processing infrastructure and international markets.
The proposed cooperation could create another route for Tanzanian mineral businesses seeking international partners, technology and markets while supporting efforts to increase earnings from the country's mineral resources.
Tanzania Mineral Dealers Association (TAMIDA) chairman Osman Abdulsattar welcomed the government's decision to involve mineral traders in the visit, saying the exposure could help businesses improve their understanding of value addition and international trade.
He said participation in international exhibitions also gave Tanzanian traders an opportunity to identify potential buyers, investors and business partners.
The Doha engagement is part of Tanzania's broader efforts to attract investment, expand mineral markets and promote value addition as the country seeks to derive greater economic benefits from its gold and gemstone resources.