Tanzania discovers some of the world’s most valuable strategic minerals through Chinese-backed exploration

Tanzania could be edging closer to becoming a significant player in Africa’s growing critical minerals industry following the discovery of rare earth element deposits in the country’s southern highlands.

• Tanzania has discovered rare earth element deposits containing Neodymium and Praseodymium in its southern highlands.
• These minerals are critical for technologies like electric vehicles, wind turbines, smartphones, defense systems, and renewable energy.
• The discovery bolsters Tanzania’s strategic importance as countries and companies compete for critical minerals vital to the clean energy transition.
• Chinese company Hongji Mining Co. Ltd is partnering with the Tanzanian government for exploration, reflecting China’s deepening role in Africa's minerals sector.

The newly identified deposits, located in Mkiu Village in Ludewa District of Njombe Region, contain Neodymium (Nd) and Praseodymium (Pr) — two highly sought-after strategic minerals used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, smartphones, defence systems and renewable energy technologies.

Officials say the discovery could strengthen Tanzania’s standing in the global race for critical minerals as countries and corporations compete to secure long-term supply chains needed for the clean energy transition.

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According to The Citizen Tanzania, Resident Mining Officer, Engineer Lucas Mlekwa said the deposits were identified during ongoing exploration activities in the region.

China deepens role in Tanzania’s rare earth ambitions

The exploration is being conducted through cooperation between the Tanzanian government and Chinese company Hongji Mining Co. Ltd, underlining Beijing’s growing involvement in Africa’s strategic minerals sector.

China currently dominates much of the global rare earth supply chain, controlling large portions of processing and refining capacity used in advanced manufacturing worldwide. Chinese firms have increasingly expanded their presence across Africa as global demand for critical minerals continues to rise.

While Tanzania is not yet ranked among Africa’s leading rare earth producers, the discovery adds to the country’s broader push into critical minerals alongside existing deposits of graphite, nickel, gold and natural gas.

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Africa’s current rare earth heavyweights remain countries such as South Africa, home to some of the continent’s most established rare earth projects, and Madagascar, which hosts globally recognised ionic clay and mineral sands projects.

Burundi and Malawi have also attracted growing international interest due to major rare earth exploration activities.

However, Tanzania’s latest discovery could position the East African nation as an emerging challenger in the sector if commercial viability and large-scale extraction are confirmed.

Mlekwa said authorities are now evaluating the size and economic potential of the deposits ahead of possible large-scale investment and export development.

Victor Awogbemila