Tanzania Targets 50% Geophysical Survey Coverage to Unlock New Mining Opportunities

Tanzania plans to significantly expand high-resolution geophysical surveys as part of its Mining Vision 2030, with the government targeting coverage of at least 50% of the country’s land area by 2030.

The initiative is designed to improve geological knowledge, identify areas with mineral potential and support more efficient exploration and investment across the mining sector. Current high-resolution geophysical coverage stands at about 16%, according to the Ministry of Minerals.

Deputy Minister for Minerals Dr Steven Kiruswa said the expanded surveys would provide more detailed information on rock formations and mineral indicators, helping the government identify new areas suitable for mining, including opportunities for small-scale operators.

Greater access to geological information could also reduce exploration costs by giving investors and miners a clearer understanding of subsurface conditions before committing significant capital.

“Mining is science,” Kiruswa said, explaining that the government’s Mining Vision 2030 aims to provide Tanzanians with clearer information on the location, type, quality and quantity of mineral resources.

The Ministry’s 2026/27 plans initially target an increase in high-resolution geophysical information from 16% to 34%, before expanding coverage to at least 50% by 2030. The government says the additional geological data should improve the investment environment and strengthen links between mining and sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, construction and financial services.

The expansion also addresses a longstanding information gap in Tanzania’s mining sector. A 2025 performance audit found that high-resolution geophysical surveys covered only 16% of the country’s 322 Quarter Degree Sheets, limiting the detailed geological information available to support mineral exploration and investment decisions.

The government is pursuing the initiative alongside broader efforts to develop Tanzania’s mineral value chain. A five-year Mineral Value Addition Strategy covering 2026/27 to 2030/31 is also being developed to strengthen domestic processing, beneficiation and refining and create more opportunities for Tanzanian businesses.

The mining sector already plays a significant role in Tanzania’s economy. The Ministry says mining contributed about 10% of GDP in 2025/26 and accounted for more than half of the country’s foreign-exchange earnings. Mineral exports were valued at 11.7 trillion Tanzanian shillings in 2025, according to figures cited by the Tanzania Trade Development Authority.

By expanding geological surveys and improving access to mineral data, Tanzania is seeking to move from simply identifying known resources to creating a stronger pipeline of exploration, investment and mining projects under its Mining Vision 2030.