Tanzania commits to increase investment in exploration to fully unlock its vast mineral resources.

DODOMA: THE Minerals Minister Anthony Mavunde has said that the country is seeking increased investment in mineral exploration to fully identify and unlock its vast mineral resources.

The minister made the statement when he met and held talks with the Canadian Ambassador Emily Burns in Dodoma noting that exploration remains a key priority for the sector.

According to the minister, only 16 per cent of the country has so far been covered by detailed aerial mineral surveys.

Elaborating, he said the government has divided the country into six exploration blocks, with only one block currently set to begin exploration through a project funded by the European Union via the government of Spain, leaving significant opportunities for investors in the remaining five blocks.

“We know that our country has only managed to conduct detailed aerial surveys on 16 per cent of its land. Therefore, we have a great need for more investment in this area to increase the contribution of the mining sector to national development,” Minister Mavunde said.

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He further urged Canadian companies to take advantage of Tanzania’s improved investment climate particularly in the mining sector.

On her part, Ambassador Burns thanked the government for its cooperation and expressed Canada’s readiness to encourage its companies to invest in the country.

She also commended Tanzania’s management of artisanal and small-scale mining activities, saying Canada was willing to bring in equipment manufacturing companies, particularly those dealing with mineral processing technologies, to help improve efficiency and productivity among small-scale miners.