Tanzania and China have agreed to deepen cooperation in the mining sector, including geological exploration, skills development and the transfer of modern mining technology.
The agreement was reached on Friday, September 11, 2026, during talks between Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde and China’s Vice Minister of Natural Resources, Dr Xu Dachun, in Tianjin.
A key area of the discussions was the planned use of Chinese expertise and technology to improve Tanzania’s capacity to identify and assess mineral deposits.
Mr Mavunde said the China Geological Survey (CGS) had agreed to support capacity building for Tanzanian experts in geology and the interpretation of mineral exploration data.
The move is expected to strengthen Tanzania’s ability to use geological information in identifying potential mineral deposits and guide investment in exploration.
“President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s priority is to ensure that the mining sector grows and increases its contribution to the national economy,” Mr Mavunde said.
He said the government had placed greater emphasis on geological exploration as part of efforts to improve the productivity of the mining sector and increase its contribution to the economy.
Tanzania and China are also preparing to undertake a high-resolution airborne geophysical survey in the country’s central block, covering parts of Dodoma, Tabora, Singida and Shinyanga.
Mr Mavunde said the survey would be undertaken with support from Chinese grants.
The use of airborne technology is expected to provide detailed geological information over large areas, helping to identify areas with potential mineral deposits and guide further exploration.
The talks also covered the use of modern technology in mining and ways of improving Tanzania’s mineral licensing system.
Dr Xu, who is also president of the China Geological Survey, said China was ready to continue sharing its experience and expertise with Tanzania.
He said the two countries had complementary strengths, with Tanzania offering mineral resources and investment opportunities while China had technology, expertise and capital.
The latest talks come as Tanzania seeks to expand mineral exploration and attract more investment into the sector while strengthening local technical capacity.
For Tanzania, greater access to geological data and modern exploration technology could help reduce uncertainty for investors and improve the country’s ability to identify and develop new mineral resources.