Barrick’s North Mara commended for CSR and local content compliance

Tarime. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Budget has commended Barrick North Mara Mine for its adherence to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Local Content Regulations, urging other companies to follow its example.

The mine’s compliance is evident in its implementation of community development projects, including water, health, education and infrastructure initiatives aimed at benefiting communities in Tarime District, Mara Region.

Speaking during a tour of the mine over the weekend, the Committee’s Vice-Chairman, Josephat Kandege, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kalambo (CCM), noted that Barrick North Mara’s commitment to CSR and local content regulations set a positive precedent for investors.

He highlighted the mine’s efforts to provide clean and safe water to 11 villages surrounding the site, describing them as a source of renewed hope for local residents.

“This Committee is pleased with Barrick North Mara Mine’s efforts to supply clean and safe water in four villages around the mine,” Kandege said.

“In terms of CSR and local content, this mine excels in its collaboration with the community, and this mutual relationship has yielded positive results for the people living nearby,” he added.

Kandege also expressed satisfaction with the significant presence of Tanzanian employees at the mine, particularly in managerial positions, including the General Manager, affirming that local content regulations were being effectively implemented.

“One of the benefits of this visit is to witness first-hand the activities involved in gold exploration, smelting, extraction, and processing at the mine. This will enable us to better advise the government on budgetary matters and investment opportunities in the mining sector.”

He also called for a meeting in Dodoma to discuss tax and legal challenges faced by mining sector investors, emphasising the need for reforms to enhance the industry’s contribution to the national economy, job creation, and economic growth.

Meanwhile, Barrick North Mara General Manager Apolinary Lyambiko announced that the mine plans to invest Sh1.5 billion in a well-drilling project in Kewanja Village to address water shortages in Tarime District.

Lyambiko also stated that the mine contributes taxes, including service levies to the Tarime District Council and royalties to five surrounding villages. He further revealed that operations had been extended to 2040.

“There have been significant changes, and the mine’s lifespan has now been extended until 2040, beyond the previously planned 2028,” he said.

Regarding local content, Lyambiko disclosed that 96 per cent of the mine’s workforce is Tanzanian. He reiterated the company’s commitment to capacity-building through continuous training to develop local talent in key professional roles.

“Barrick North Mara spends no less than TSh7 billion annually on community development projects, a substantial investment that has positively impacted local communities,” noted Musoma Urban MP Vedastus Mathayo (CCM), a committee member.

Special Seats MP Stella Ikupa Alex (CCM) praised Barrick North Mara for its excellence in the mining sector, citing multiple awards, including recognition as the country’s best employer.

“These awards are numerous, and I would like to congratulate Barrick for its outstanding performance, which is visible across the country,” she said.

Meatu MP Leah Komanya (CCM) commended the mine for investing approximately TSh1 billion in the construction of Genkuru Health Centre in Tarime District.

“The construction of Genkuru Health Centre is a commendable initiative. I also appreciate the mine’s environmental conservation efforts and its role in creating job opportunities for Tanzanian youth,” she stated.

Ole MP Juma Hamad Omar lauded the mine for prioritising education within its CSR programme and expressed satisfaction with the General Manager’s presentation to the committee.