Tanzania's mineral sector set for major boost with new exploration projects

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is on the brink of a major transformation in its mineral sector, with the establishment of a mineral exploration academy and the largest mineral analysis laboratory at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM).

The project, in collaboration with YULHO Public Company from South Korea, marks a significant step forward in the country’s ability to audit, analyse, and maximise its mineral wealth.

On August 20, 2024, UDSM and YULHO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that sets the stage for the construction of these facilities, which are expected to revolutionise Tanzania's approach to mineral exploration and value addition.

The two projects, with an initial budget of Sh27 billion, will equip local miners with state-of-the-art technology and the expertise needed to identify and process minerals more effectively.

For years, Tanzania has relied on external laboratories in countries like South Africa, Canada, and Australia to analyse certain minerals.

This reliance has not only been costly but has also slowed down the process of mineral exploration and development within the country.

The new laboratory at UDSM, with its ability to test all types of minerals found in Tanzania, is set to change the narrative.

“This laboratory will help us conduct analyses on all minerals found in the country, including graphite, nickel, and even gold concentrates,” Acting Dean of the School of Mines and Geosciences at UDSM, Dr Salama Abubakary told a press conference shortly after the signing ceremony.

“Before this, Tanzania had to send some minerals abroad for testing. Now, we want to do it all here, saving time and resources.”

The establishment of the academy and laboratory at UDSM is not just about infrastructure; it's about capacity building.

The MoU outlines plans for YULHO Company Limited to offer scholarships to UDSM staff and students, enhancing the academic and professional development of the university’s community.

This will not only improve the quality of training but will also produce a new generation of skilled professionals capable of driving Tanzania’s mineral sector forward.

UDSM Vice Chancellor, Prof William Anangisye, emphasised the significance of this partnership.

“This initiative will increase our university's ability to contribute to teaching, research, and public service.

It will change the experience of researchers and students by introducing state-of-the-art equipment and machinery, thereby infusing the latest technology into the field of geosciences.”

Tanzania’s mineral wealth is vast, but without the right infrastructure and expertise, much of this potential remains untapped.

The absence of local, advanced laboratories, experts say, has forced miners and explorers to send samples abroad, incurring huge costs and delays.

These challenges have hindered the full realisation of the sector’s potential, affecting both large-scale and small-scale miners.

According to Dr Abubakary, the lack of advanced facilities has also limited Tanzania’s ability to ensure the quality and quantity of minerals produced within its borders.

“Having to rely on external labs has meant that we could not always guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of results. This new lab will change that.”

For YULHO Company, this project is more than just a business venture; it is a strategic investment in Tanzania’s future.
The company’s President, Mr Jae Seong Lee, expressed his commitment to ensuring the success of the project.

“We want to raise the standard of technology in these areas in collaboration with UDSM.

We have the capacity to make it easier for local miners not to incur huge costs transporting minerals for analysis elsewhere.”

Tanzania has had a laboratory within the Tanzania Industrial Research and Development Organization (TIRDO) complex in Msasani, Dar es Salaam.

The existing laboratory at TIRDO has been instrumental in auditing the quality and quantity of minerals produced by miners.

However, signatories to the MoU, believe the new facility will take this capability to the next level, providing more accurate and reliable results in record time.