The Tanzanian government, through the Ministry of Minerals, has set a strategic plan to intensify deep geophysical surveys across the country. Currently, only about 16% of the country's total land area has been covered. The initiative aims to increase the contribution of the mining sector to the national economy. By 2025/26, the sector's contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) had reached 10 percent.
Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr. Steven Kiruswa, made the statement during the launch of the Mining Technology Exhibition held at the Dr Samia Suluhu grounds in Geita. Dr Kiruswa said extensive geophysical surveys would increase access to accurate information on rock formations with mineral indicators. This would enable the Ministry to identify new areas for small-scale miners, significantly reducing the cost of mineral exploration.
The initiative is part of efforts to eliminate misconceptions and traditional beliefs among some small-scale miners who still associate mineral extraction with superstitious beliefs. Dr Kiruswa emphasized that mining is a science. The Ministry has come up with Vision 2030 to show Tanzanians where minerals are located, what type of minerals they are, their quality, and quantities.
The Ministry launched the Mining for a Better Tomorrow (MBT) programme to ensure that minerals benefit all society groups. The programme involves the provision of equipment, technical support, research information, licences, and other business and investment opportunities. It also includes the operation of equipment and machinery to support small-scale miners.
Dr Kiruswa assured Tanzanians that the Ministry is reviewing and amending mining policies and laws, including legislation governing land ownership rights and mineral rights. This aims to reduce conflicts of interest in the mining sector. Geita Regional Commissioner, Mr Alexander Mnyeti, also emphasized the need to review laws governing land ownership rights and mineral rights.
According to the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), mineral exports amounted to 11.7tri/- in 2025, demonstrating strong management of the mining sector under the Sixth Phase Government. This is compared with 2021, when mineral exports stood at approximately 7.2 tri/-. The Deputy Director of the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TANTRADE), Mr Fredy Liundi, highlighted these figures.
The Ninth Mining Technology Exhibition 2026 had attracted 765 participants, including 15 mining companies. The Managing Director of Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML), Mr Ashraf Suryaningrat, commended the Government for organising the exhibition, describing it as an open platform for knowledge, business, and networking within the mining sector.
Key points
- The Tanzanian government aims to increase geophysical survey coverage to 50% of its land area by 2030.
- The mining sector's contribution to the GDP reached 10 percent by 2025/26.
- Mineral exports amounted to 11.7tri/- in 2025.
