From the Sky Down: How Barrick’s helicopter signals a new phase for mineral exploration in Tanzania

MONDAY February 9, 2026

By The Tranquillity News Reporter, Kahama, Tanzania

On a quiet Sunday in Tanzania’s Shinyanga Region, as light rain drifted over the plains of Kahama, a helicopter lifted off from the former Buzwagi gold mine — a site now designated as a Special Economic Investment Zone.

The flight marked a practical shift in how Tanzania is positioning its mining sector: Toward science-led exploration, lower risk and long-term capital attraction.

Barrick Mining Corporation, operating through its joint venture with the Tanzanian government – Twiga Minerals, has begun deploying helicopter-based mineral exploration technology aimed at improving geological certainty while reducing environmental and regulatory risk.

The aircraft will conduct high-resolution airborne geophysical surveys, allowing operators to map subsurface structures with precision and minimal surface disturbance — a model increasingly favoured by investors
navigating tighter Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) expectations and capital discipline.

“This is science, not guesswork,” Tanzania’s Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde said at the launch. “Modern methods of mineral exploration are unavoidable. Mining today is pure science”.

From legacy mining to data-driven discovery Shinyanga has long anchored Tanzania’s mining economy, from the historic Mwadui diamond mine to today’s gold operations.

What is changing is the approach, a shift from incremental, ground-based exploration toward data-driven discovery that improves decision-making at early stages of investment.

By using airborne surveys, companies can narrow targets more efficiently, reduce exploration timelines and lower upfront costs — factors that directly affect project viability and financing.

For regulators, the technology offers improved oversight and better geological data to guide licensing and land-use decisions.

For investors, it reduces uncertainty in one of mining’s most capital-intensive phases.

This is science, not guesswork. Modern methods of mineral exploration are unavoidable, mining today is pure science,” Tanzania’s Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde.

Policy alignment and investment signalling
The helicopter programme is aligned with Tanzania’s National Mineral Policy and President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Minerals Vision 2030, which prioritises deep exploration through public–private partnerships to expand
the country’s mineral resource base.

“Investment in modern technology is a cornerstone of strengthening the sector’s contribution to the national economy while ensuring efficiency and sustainability,” Mavunde said.

Survey operations are expected to cover Nzega, Igunga, Msalala and Nyang’hwale, areas viewed by policymakers as under-explored but geologically prospective.

Officials say the initiative sends a clear signal to investors that Tanzania is seeking long-term, technology-driven mining capital rather than speculative activity.

Tanzania is actively pursuing its national strategy to become a crucial player in the global minerals value chain, as the nation gains increasing recognition as a strategic supplier of minerals vital for the clean energy
transition, industrial growth, and sustainable development worldwide.

In a significant push to attract foreign investment and strengthen international partnerships, a high-level delegation led by the minister traveled to Cape Town, South Africa, immediately after the helicopter
programme.

The delegation is scheduled to hold strategic meetings with key figures in the extractive industry from the United States, the European Union, and Canada, all taking place on the sidelines of the prestigious Mining Indaba 2026 International Conference.

The participation of the minister and the powerful delegation in these high-level engagements is squarely aimed at securing new investments and deepening existing partnerships.

Barrick’s long-term bet
The Barrick Tanzania Country Manager, Dr Melkiory Ngido, said the technology improves geological confidence — a key determinant of capital allocation in mining.

“High-resolution airborne surveys enhance our understanding of what lies beneath the ground,” Ngido said. “They improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact and support disciplined, long-term investment
decisions.”

Over the past five years, Barrick has invested more than TSh100 billion in scientific mineral explorations in Tanzania, underscoring renewed confidence in the country’s regulatory environment and investment
stability.

Exploration data not suitable for large-scale mining is shared with the government, supporting the formalisation and productivity of artisanal and small-scale mining — an approach that aligns with inclusive growth and social-licence objectives.

Economic spillovers and risk management Mining remains a major source of government revenue through royalties, taxes and dividends, while also supporting employment and infrastructure development, including roads, health facilities, and education projects.

Shinyanga Regional Commissioner Mboni Mhita said the regional secretariat would continue supporting investors to ensure operational efficiency and predictable revenue flows.

A stable operating environment, she said, was essential to sustaining investment momentum.

A broader message to markets
As the helicopter disappeared into the clouds above the Kahama sky, its significance extended beyond Shinyanga.

For policymakers, it demonstrated how technology can strengthen governance and resource management.

For investors, it highlighted a maturing mining jurisdiction focused on reducing exploration risk, improving transparency, and aligning with global ESG standards.

For Barrick and the Tanzanian government, the aircraft represents more than exploration equipment. It is a signal: Tanzania’s mineral future is being built on data, discipline and long-term partnership — with returns measured not only in ounces, but in sustainable economic valueΩ