Tanzania’s Ministry of Minerals has announced that the Chinese government has sent two geological survey experts from the China Geology Survey to assess Tanzania’s needs as it plans to conduct a geological survey across the country following the country’s request.

This was revealed on Monday, March 3, 2025, during a meeting between the Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Chen Mingjian, and the Deputy Minister of Mining, Dr. Steven Kiruswa, at the ministry’s offices in Dar es Salaam. Also present were Abdulrahman Mwanga, Commissioner for Minerals, and Dr. Mussa Budeba, Chief Executive Officer of the Geological Survey of Tanzania.

According to the ministry, the meeting followed an earlier discussion between the Chinese Ambassador and Vice President Philip Mpango, during which Tanzania formally requested China’s support in conducting mining surveys.

The ministry emphasized three key areas where assistance is needed. One priority is securing financial resources for a high-resolution airborne geophysical survey, starting with the Dodoma region. Another area of focus is capacity building, particularly in training Tanzanian experts on modern geological technologies such as geoscience data processing. Additionally, Tanzania seeks support in acquiring advanced technology for geological surveys, including the use of drones.

Tanzania has already completed geological mapping for 97% of its land, accompanied by a low-resolution geophysical survey covering the entire country. However, the government now aims to conduct a high-resolution airborne geophysical survey for 34% of its territory by 2026.  At the moment only sixteen percent of the land has been surveyed with a high-resolution airborne geophysical survey.

With a long-term goal of surveying 50% of its total land area by 2030, Tanzania hopes to identify mineral-rich regions and determine their specific mineral compositions, strengthening the country’s mining sector.