The Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST), under the Ministry of Minerals, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) to conduct joint geoscientific research.
The signing ceremony took place on March 26, 2025, in Seoul, South Korea, during the visit of a Tanzanian delegation led by Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr. Steven Kiruswa.
The delegation was attending a strategic mining stakeholders' meeting organized by the Embassy of Tanzania in South Korea in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy of South Korea and private sector stakeholders from both countries.
The MoU covers various areas of collaboration, including joint research projects in geology, geochemistry, and advanced geophysical studies to identify new deposits of critical and strategic minerals.
“This agreement marks a significant step in strengthening our geoscientific research and ensuring that Tanzania fully explores and utilizes its mineral potential,” said Dr. Kiruswa.
He added that the partnership would enhance scientific knowledge and technological advancements in mineral exploration.
Additionally, the agreement includes cooperation in research on natural disasters, capacity building and training in geoscience and mineral research, studies on mineral processing, development of geoscientific data management systems, and strengthening GST’s laboratory capabilities.
“Through this collaboration, we aim to not only enhance our research capacities but also train Tanzanian experts in advanced mineral exploration techniques,” Dr. Kiruswa emphasized.
Before the signing ceremony, the Tanzanian delegation had the opportunity to learn about KIGAM’s operations, including laboratory research, mineral processing techniques—particularly for strategic minerals—technology for green energy materials such as electric vehicle batteries, and natural disaster monitoring, including seismic activities and explosions. They also visited the Geoscience and Mineral Resources Institute managed by KIGAM.
Dr. Kiruswa expressed his gratitude to the South Korean government through KIGAM for agreeing to collaborate with Tanzania.
“We appreciate the willingness of KIGAM to partner with us in geoscientific research and capacity building. This cooperation will play a crucial role in transforming Tanzania’s mining sector,” he noted.
He further assured that the Tanzanian government would ensure the implementation of the MoU to bring tangible benefits to both countries.