Tanzania and South Korea Build $16M Minerals Research Hub

Tanzania is taking a giant leap toward becoming Africa's next mining powerhouse with help from an unlikely partner thousands of miles away.

The Tanzanian government just signed a deal with South Korea's Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources to build a state-of-the-art critical minerals technology center. The $16.5 million facility will help Tanzania research and process the minerals powering the world's green energy revolution, including lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements.

The project is part of Tanzania's ambitious Madini Vision 2030, which aims to expand detailed mineral research coverage from just 16 percent of the country today to 50 percent by 2030. That means geologists will map and understand the mineral wealth hiding beneath more than half the nation's soil.

The new center won't just be about digging up rocks. It will include advanced research equipment, a digital mineral information system, and specialized training programs for small-scale miners who often lack access to modern techniques. The initiative specifically aims to include women, youth, and people with disabilities in the growing mining economy.

Minerals Minister Anthony Mavunde emphasized that the center will strengthen Tanzania's ability to manage resources that are critical to global climate solutions. Instead of just exporting raw materials, Tanzania can now add value domestically, creating more jobs and keeping more wealth in the country.

The Ripple Effect

This partnership signals a broader shift happening across Africa. Countries are moving beyond simply extracting resources and shipping them overseas. By building research capacity and technical skills at home, Tanzania is positioning itself to capture more value from its natural wealth.

The collaboration with South Korea's top geological institute brings decades of expertise to Tanzanian professionals. Training programs will create a new generation of mining experts who understand both the technical side and environmental responsibility. The project includes Environmental, Social, and Governance standards to ensure mining benefits communities without harming them.

For small-scale miners who make up a significant portion of Tanzania's mining workforce, the technology center represents access to knowledge that was previously out of reach. Better techniques mean safer working conditions, higher productivity, and more income for families.

South Korean delegation leader Seong-Jun Cho expressed confidence that the project would deliver lasting benefits throughout its implementation. With construction beginning soon, Tanzania is on track to become East Africa's go-to destination for mineral research and processing.

The minerals Tanzania will focus on aren't just valuable, they're essential for building electric vehicle batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines that will power a cleaner future.