[PRESSWIRE] CAPE TOWN, South Africa – 10th February, 2026 – 10 February, 2026 — Tanzania is intensifying efforts to attract foreign investment and expand its mining sector by forging strategic global partnerships at the Mining Indaba conference in Cape Town.
The country’s delegation, led by senior government officials, including those from the Ministry of Minerals, is engaging with industry leaders, investors, and experts from around the world to position Tanzania as a key player in Africa’s mining industry.
According to Minister of Minerals Anthony Mavunde, Tanzania is focused on unlocking its vast mineral resources, improving exploration capabilities, and developing a sustainable mining industry.
The country is rich in valuable minerals like gold, tanzanite, diamonds, and rare earth elements, and the government is keen to tap into this wealth to drive industrial growth and attract international investment.
One of the key outcomes from the Mining Indaba was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) and Tanzania’s Geological Survey and Mineral Research Institute (GST).
This partnership is set to enhance Tanzania’s capacity for geoscientific research, particularly in mineral exploration. The collaboration will help boost local expertise in interpreting and verifying geological data, which is crucial for identifying new mineral deposits.
Minister Mavunde stressed that the partnership would also focus on upgrading GST’s laboratory facilities to meet international standards, enhancing Tanzania’s ability to conduct high-resolution geophysical surveys and improve its competitiveness in global mineral exploration.
“We are excited to enhance our geological research capacity through this partnership with Finland, which will help us utilise our mineral resources sustainably and attract more investment,” he stated.
U.S. partnership in critical mineral research
Another highlight from the conference was Tanzania’s engagement with the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). Discussions centred on deepening cooperation between Tanzania and the United States in the mining sector, particularly regarding lithium, graphite, and rare earth elements, which are in high demand due to their use in electric vehicles, renewable energy, and high-tech electronics.
Both sides agreed on the need for advanced geological surveys and research methodologies to unlock new mineral reserves. USTDA pledged support for Tanzania’s mining sector through technical assistance and funding for research and development.
“Advanced geological surveys and value addition are vital to unlocking Tanzania’s mining potential,” said USTDA Deputy Director Thomas Hardy. “Our continued collaboration will help Tanzania develop its mineral wealth while maintaining high environmental and sustainability standards.”
Rio Tinto eyes investment opportunities
Tanzania’s delegation also met with representatives from Rio Tinto, one of the world’s largest mining companies, to discuss investment opportunities in the country. Rio Tinto is particularly interested in Tanzania’s copper, bauxite, and graphite resources.
The company is also drawn to Tanzania’s improving infrastructure, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), which are crucial for lowering transportation costs and improving export efficiency.
Minister Mavunde encouraged Rio Tinto to collaborate with Tanzania’s State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) to conduct joint research and accelerate exploration efforts.
He said the partnership could also lead to the development of mineral processing plants, creating jobs and adding value to Tanzania’s mineral resources.
The Tanzanian government has been proactive in creating a business-friendly environment that encourages such collaborations, with legal frameworks that allow state-owned entities like STAMICO to enter into joint ventures with international investors.
A bright future for Tanzania’s mining sector
With strong interest from global mining giants like Rio Tinto and partnerships with organisations like USTDA and GTK, Tanzania’s mining sector is poised for rapid expansion.
The government’s focus on infrastructure development, including rail and port expansion, is crucial for improving efficiency and reducing transportation costs for mineral exports.
Minister Mavunde reiterated Tanzania’s commitment to developing a sustainable and efficient mining sector that drives economic growth, creates jobs, and meets the rising global demand for critical minerals.
“We are dedicated to building a mining sector that will contribute to long-term economic growth while maintaining the highest environmental and sustainability standards,” he said.
With its vast mineral wealth and improving investment climate, Tanzania is on track to become a major player in Africa’s mining industry, attracting both international investment and expertise to help unlock the country’s full mineral potential.
· The announcement was made during Mining Indaba in Cape Town, one of Africa’s leading mining investment conferences.
· Tanzania’s delegation was led by Minister of Minerals Anthony Mavunde.
· The country is seeking to attract foreign investment and strengthen mineral exploration and value addition.
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