Tanzania, Finland sign MoU that opens a new chapter in mineral research cooperation
DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA and Finland have opened a new chapter in mineral research cooperation following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Tanzania’s Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) and the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK).
The agreement aims to strengthen geological research and improve access to reliable information on Tanzania’s mineral resources.
The partnership builds on an MoU signed in 2024, which sought to enhance the capacity of Tanzanian experts and improve access to scientific information to support the exploration, development and value addition of the country’s mineral resources.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals, Msafiri Mbibo, said the Tanzanian government values the partnership because it provides an opportunity to strengthen the country’s capacity to identify and analyse its mineral resources and determine their potential.
He added that accurate geological information is essential for conducting research, planning the use of natural resources and attracting investment into the mining sector.
“This cooperation will transform the way Tanzania collects, analyses and uses geological information,” Mbibo said.
Meanwhile, GTK Chief Executive Officer Dr Saku Vuori said implementation of a programme to build the capacity of GST experts had already begun, while GTK experts were assessing additional areas for cooperation.
Dr Vuori said GTK was also ready to support GST in strengthening the capacity of its new laboratory under construction in Dodoma, including through the provision of modern technology and equipment for analysing and testing rock and mineral samples.
The initiative is intended to enable Tanzania to obtain laboratory data that meets modern standards and can be used for research, mineral resource assessment and investment decision-making.
Under the agreement, the European Union (EU) has expressed interest in supporting funding for the implementation of the partnership, particularly efforts to ensure that geological data and information collected are accurate, reliable and of sufficient quality to support investment.
