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Seoul, South Korea: In a strategic move to secure vital resources for future industries, Tanzania and South Korea are deepening their collaboration on critical minerals, setting their sights on diversifying global supply chains and reducing reliance on dominant players. Experts from both nations convened in Seoul for the Tanzania-South Korea Critical Mineral Roadshow, a platform to explore joint ventures in the burgeoning sector of graphite, nickel, lithium, and rare earth elements.
This high-level engagement follows a landmark agreement inked in June 2024, during the inaugural Korea-Africa Summit in Seoul, where the two countries pledged to enhance cooperation in resource and mineral development. South Korea, a technological powerhouse with a voracious appetite for minerals crucial for its rechargeable battery and electric vehicle industries, views Tanzania’s largely untapped mineral wealth as a key to bolstering its supply chain resilience.
The roadshow, a joint initiative of the Tanzanian Embassy in Seoul and the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM), saw a high-powered Tanzanian delegation – including representatives from the Ministry of Minerals, the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST), the State Mining Company, and the Mining Commission – make a compelling case for stronger bilateral ties in mining and refining.
KIGAM, echoing the sentiment of its nation’s industrial ambitions, reiterated its commitment to act as a bridge, connecting Korean companies with the Tanzanian government and local businesses to forge mutually beneficial mineral projects. The underlying message was clear: Tanzania offers a compelling alternative for sourcing critical minerals in a world increasingly concerned about supply chain vulnerabilities.
Musa Budeda, CEO of GST, laid out Tanzania’s ambitious plans to complete 50 percent of its geochemical surveys by 2030, a crucial step towards identifying and developing high-value mines with the backing of international investment. He further highlighted the broader spectrum of opportunities beyond mere extraction, encompassing the development of refining facilities and the necessary transportation and logistics infrastructure to support a thriving mineral sector.
Budeda painted a compelling picture of the future demand landscape, projecting a 1.5-fold increase in copper demand by 2040 compared to 2003 levels, while lithium demand is expected to skyrocket ninefold. With a growing global population and the relentless push towards net-zero emissions, the appetite for these critical minerals is only set to intensify.
Tanzanian Ambassador to Korea, Togolani Edriss Mavura, underscored the inclusive nature of this burgeoning partnership, emphasizing that “this is not just about the government — it is equally about the private sector.” He presented the visiting Korean businesses with a comprehensive “ecosystem of solutions” designed to facilitate investment in Tanzania’s mineral wealth.
The roadshow culminated in the signing of a significant memorandum of understanding between GST and KIGAM on March 26, 2025. This agreement formalizes their commitment to enhanced geoscience research and mineral exploration, paving the way for joint geological, geochemical, and geophysical studies, mineral processing research, capacity building initiatives, and even collaboration on natural disaster management.
Tanzanian Deputy Minister for Minerals, Steven Kiruswa, lauded South Korea’s dedication to the partnership, emphasizing its potential to empower Tanzanians with crucial technical expertise. “This partnership is a significant step in positioning Tanzania as a global leader in mineral research and value addition,” Kiruswa declared.
Beyond the formal agreements, the event fostered crucial business-to-business meetings between Tanzanian and Korean companies, laying the groundwork for potential joint ventures. Tanzanian officials also embarked on site visits to KIGAM’s advanced research infrastructure in Daejeon, gaining firsthand insights into cutting-edge mineral processing techniques, innovations in electric vehicle battery materials, and sustainable mining technologies.
The burgeoning alliance between Tanzania and South Korea signals a strategic realignment in the global critical minerals landscape. As the world races towards a greener future, this partnership has the potential to unlock Tanzania’s mineral wealth, diversify South Korea’s supply chains, and reshape the dynamics of a crucial global industry.
