Tanzania has entered a strategic partnership with the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) to advance its mining sector, focusing on mineral exploration, sustainable mining practices, and attracting foreign investment.
The collaboration, formalized between GTK and the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST), aims to enhance local expertise, improve mineral exploration techniques, and promote environmentally responsible practices. Tanzania’s Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, highlighted the importance of this partnership, noting that only 16 percent of the country has been explored for minerals so far. He expressed confidence that the collaboration would address key challenges and foster significant progress in uncovering the nation’s mineral wealth.
The Finnish Ambassador to Tanzania, Ms. Theresa Zitting, emphasized that Finland’s experience in sustainable mining aligns with Tanzania’s goals. She noted that Finnish companies can contribute by introducing innovative business models, promoting circular economy practices, and improving resource management, all of which would strengthen Tanzania’s value chains and environmental stewardship.
Furthermore, the partnership between GTK and GST, rooted in a Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year, is set to facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity building. According to GTK’s International Operations director, Mr. Philipp Schmidt, Finland will support Tanzania in managing its vast mineral resources, including its high-quality graphite reserves, the fourth-largest in the world. He also outlined plans to help Tanzania attract investment, enhance mineral processing, and manage mining environments.
ASNL Advisory CEO Humphrey Simba, who played a role in organizing the collaboration, described the partnership as a key step toward Tanzania’s mining future, fostering connections between public and private sector players to support the sector’s growth and economic contribution.
As global demand for minerals rises, Tanzania’s proactive steps to integrate sustainable practices and attract foreign expertise could position it as a leading mining destination.
