Tanzania is set to strengthen its ability to identify and assess mineral resources after its Geological Survey (GST) signed a new cooperation agreement with the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) to improve geological data, research and laboratory capacity.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on September 30, 2026, will facilitate airborne geophysical surveys and technical capacity building for GST experts, particularly in data quality assurance and quality control.
The partnership is expected to improve the quality of geological information available to the government and investors as Tanzania seeks to expand mineral exploration and better understand the scale of its mineral resources.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals, Msafiri Mbibo, said reliable geological data was essential for mineral exploration, resource planning and investment decisions.
He said the cooperation would strengthen Tanzania's ability to collect, analyse and use scientific information on the country's mineral potential.
“This cooperation will bring changes in the way Tanzania collects, analyses and uses geological information,” Mr Mbibo said.
For Tanzania, better geological data could help reduce uncertainty during mineral exploration by providing investors and government agencies with more detailed information on the location and characteristics of mineral deposits.
GTK Chief Executive Officer Dr Saku Vuori said the capacity-building programme for GST experts had already begun, with Finnish specialists assessing additional areas for cooperation.
The Finnish institution is also prepared to support Tanzania in strengthening the capacity of a new laboratory under construction in Dodoma, including through modern equipment for analysing and testing rock and mineral samples.
Dr Vuori said stronger laboratory capacity would help Tanzania generate scientific data that meets modern standards and can be used in mineral exploration, resource assessment and investment decisions.
The laboratory component is significant because accurate testing of geological samples is central to determining the composition and quality of mineral deposits, information that can influence decisions on exploration and mine development.
The European Union has also expressed interest in supporting financing for implementation of the cooperation, particularly initiatives aimed at improving the quality and reliability of geological data collected in Tanzania.
During the visit, the Tanzanian delegation toured GTK's modern laboratories and received briefings on technologies used to analyse rock and mineral samples, as well as systems for quality assurance and quality control of scientific data.
The delegation included officials from the Ministry of Minerals and GST, representatives of the Tanzania Chamber of Minerals and Energy and mining companies, as well as officials from the Tanzanian Embassy in Sweden, the EU Delegation in Tanzania and the Finnish Embassy in Tanzania.
The agreement marks a broader effort to strengthen Tanzania's geological information base, technical expertise and laboratory systems, with the ultimate goal of supporting mineral exploration, resource development and greater value addition in the country's mining sector.