The Tanzanian government, through the Ministry of Minerals, has announced plans to significantly increase the coverage of deep geophysical surveys from the current 16% to at least 50% of the country’s land area by 2030. This strategic initiative aims to enhance the mining sector’s contribution to the national economy and support sustainable mineral exploration.
Speaking at the launch of the Mining Technology Exhibition at the Dr Samia Suluhu grounds in Geita, Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr. Steven Kiruswa, highlighted that the mining sector had already reached a 10% contribution to Tanzania’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2025/26 and accounted for 56% of the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
Dr. Kiruswa explained that expanding geophysical surveys would provide more accurate information on rock formations containing mineral indicators, enabling the Ministry to identify new mining areas for small-scale miners. This approach is expected to reduce exploration costs, helping miners protect their capital and increase productivity.
“Mining is science,” emphasized Dr. Kiruswa. “Our Vision 2030 is designed to show Tanzanians where minerals are located, their types, quality, and quantities to encourage productive investments.” He also noted that the initiative aims to dispel traditional misconceptions and superstitions around mineral extraction.
To integrate mining with other sectors and ensure the benefits reach all groups in society, the Ministry has launched the Mining for a Better Tomorrow (MBT) programme. This programme provides equipment, technical support, research data, licenses, and business opportunities, as well as machinery operation support.
Dr. Kiruswa also assured that the Ministry is actively reviewing and updating mining policies and laws, including those related to land ownership and mineral rights, to minimize conflicts and protect stakeholders’ interests.
Supporting this view, Geita Regional Commissioner Mr. Alexander Mnyeti called for swift reforms of land and mineral rights legislation to prevent conflicts caused by overlapping claims and safeguard Tanzanian interests.
Additionally, Mr. Fredy Liundi, Deputy Director of the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TANTRADE), reported that mineral exports reached a value of 11.7 trillion Tanzanian shillings in 2025, according to the Bank of Tanzania.
This comprehensive approach by the Ministry of Minerals underscores Tanzania’s commitment to harnessing its mineral wealth responsibly and sustainably, fostering economic growth, and improving livelihoods across the country.
