New Barrick projects to boost living standards in Mara

Mara. Residents of the Mara Region are set to experience significant social and economic improvements, with Sh4.6 billion allocated for new community development projects under Barrick’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme in the Tarime District Council.

The initiative aims to enhance access to essential services and improve living standards across local communities, marking a major milestone in the region’s ongoing development efforts.

North Mara Gold Mine General Manager, Mr Apolinary Lyambiko announced the allocation on Friday, April 11.

 "We have allocated an additional Sh4.687 billion for new projects, including the expansion of the Nyangoto clean and safe drinking water project to reach more villages," he said.

North Mara Gold Mine, operated by Barrick in partnership with the Tanzanian government through Twiga Minerals, is a major gold mine in the country.

The mine is currently implementing 101 development projects in the Tarime District Council, with a total investment exceeding nine billion shillings under its CSR programme.

The programme prioritises key areas such as education, water, health and business development.

Mr Lyambiko emphasised the mine's diverse benefits to local communities and the importance of protecting it from illegal activities.

"Acts of intrusion into the mine are illegal. This mine provides many benefits, including jobs and business opportunities for local contractors," he stated.

The number of local contractors working with the mine has increased substantially, driven by the Tanzanian government's local content policy, which seeks to ensure that local communities benefit from investments.

Reports indicate that at least 96 percent of the mine’s workforce is Tanzanian, with a significant portion coming from areas surrounding the mine.