Tanzania moves to secure mining deals with Chinese giant

DODOMA: THE government has stepped up efforts to attract large-scale investment in the mining sector, opening high-level talks with China’s Liaoning Fangda Group in a move aimed at strengthening industrial growth and value addition.

The delegation, led by the company’s Vice-Chairman, Mr Ao Xinhua, met with officials from the Ministry of Minerals in Dodoma on Tuesday, in discussions chaired by the Mining Commissioner, Dr AbdulRahman Mwanga.

The talks focused on potential cooperation across the mineral value chain, including exploration, extraction, beneficiation and the use of advanced processing technologies.

Dr Mwanga said Tanzania is positioning itself to attract long-term, credible investors under a clear legal and policy framework designed to ensure mineral resources contribute directly to national development.

He said the country’s regulatory environment, geological potential and political stability continue to make it a competitive destination for mining investment in Africa.

“Our priority is to ensure that mineral resources drive industrialisation and broad-based economic transformation,” he said, noting the government’s readiness to work with global partners.

Mr Ao expressed interest in Tanzania’s mining prospects, citing the country’s policy stability and ongoing efforts to promote value addition as key factors.

He said Liaoning Fangda Group is exploring opportunities to expand its footprint in Africa, particularly in mineral-based industries and high technology processing.

The company has global investments spanning iron ore, steel, non-ferrous minerals, aviation and pharmaceuticals.

Officials said the engagement forms part of broader efforts to attract capital-intensive investments capable of supporting industrial value chains and creating employment.

The two sides are expected to continue technical discussions to identify specific projects and investment modalities