Tanzania has taken a decisive step toward transforming its mining sector through a strategic partnership with South Korea to establish a modern Critical and Strategic Minerals Technology Centre. Backed by a TZS 40 billion investment, the initiative underscores the country’s commitment to data-driven exploration, value addition, and long-term competitiveness in the global minerals market.
The announcement was made on 26 January 2026 by the Minister of Minerals, Hon. Anthony Mavunde (MP), following high-level discussions with a six-member South Korean delegation led by Mr. Seong-Jun Cho of the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM). The engagement marks a significant milestone in the implementation of Tanzania’s Minerals Vision 2030.
A Strategic International Collaboration
The project is a direct outcome of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2024 between the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) and KIGAM. Through this collaboration, Tanzania aims to significantly strengthen its mineral knowledge base while embedding advanced technologies across exploration, data management, and sector governance.
Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Mavunde emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership:
“His Excellency the President has directed the Ministry of Minerals to expand mineral exploration coverage to 50% by 2030. This partnership with South Korea demonstrates our determination to deliver on that national objective.”
Currently, large portions of Tanzania’s mineral potential remain underexplored. The new technology centre is expected to play a central role in closing this gap by enabling deeper, more accurate, and more efficient mineral investigations.
What the Project Will Deliver
Valued at KRW 21.8 billion (approximately USD 16.5 million / TZS 40 billion), the project will be implemented over a five-year period (2027–2031) and will deliver a wide range of strategic outcomes, including:
- Establishment of a large-scale Minerals Technology Centre equipped with advanced exploration and analytical technologies
- Development of a digital mineral resource information system to improve data accessibility and decision-making
- Capacity building for Geological Survey of Tanzania professionals
- Introduction and implementation of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) systems in the mining sector
- Specialised training for small-scale miners, enhancing productivity, safety, and sustainability
The initial technical focus will be on nickel, a critical mineral essential for energy transition technologies, including electric vehicle batteries. However, the infrastructure and systems developed under the project are designed to be scalable and applicable to other metallic and strategic minerals.
Empowering People and Strengthening Institutions
Beyond technology and infrastructure, the initiative places strong emphasis on human capital development. It aligns closely with Tanzania’s Youth and Women Empowerment in Mining Programme (MBT), creating pathways for skills transfer, professional growth, and inclusive participation across the mining value chain.
Mr. Seong-Jun Cho expressed appreciation for Tanzania’s cooperation and reaffirmed KIGAM’s commitment to ensuring the project delivers lasting national benefits. He highlighted South Korea’s experience in geoscience innovation and its readiness to support Tanzania’s long-term mineral development ambitions.
Positioning Tanzania for the Future
The establishment of the Critical and Strategic Minerals Technology Centre represents more than a single project—it signals a shift toward a technology-enabled, transparent, and globally competitive mining sector. By strengthening exploration coverage, modernising mineral data systems, and investing in people, Tanzania is laying the foundation for sustainable growth and increased investor confidence.
As demand for critical minerals continues to rise globally, this partnership positions Tanzania to play a more influential role in international mineral supply chains—supported by robust data, advanced technology, and empowered local expertise.
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