By Osoro Nyawangah, SHINYANGA
Tanzania
Barrick Gold Corporation has
injected over $4.24 billion into the Tanzanian economy since establishing the
Twiga Minerals joint venture with the government in 2019, contributing $888
million in 2024 alone. Barrick President and CEO Mark Bristow
Twiga Minerals comprises the
North Mara and Bulyanhulu gold mines by the Lake Victoria zone.
At a media briefing in
Bulyanhulu town Shinyanga region, Barrick President and Chief Executive Officer,
Mark Bristow said the Twiga partnership remained a leader in Tanzania’s
extractive industry, creating thousands of jobs, supporting local businesses
and funding critical community projects.
“We spent $573 million on
national suppliers and service providers last year, representing about 83% of
our total spend in-country. Additionally, 75% of all our payments to
suppliers and service providers went to indigenous companies, exceeding our
target of 61%.” Bristow said.
Thanks to Barrick’s policy of
local employment and advancement, 96% of its 6,185-strong workforce are
nationals with 53% coming from the communities neighbouring the mines.
Bristow said Barrick also
invested over $5 million during the year in potable water, healthcare and
education, taking the total investment in community projects to $15.8 million
since Barrick formed Twiga Minerals partnership with the Government and assumed
operational control of the Tanzanian mines in 2019.
Bulyanhulu and North Mara
production guidance for 2024 exceeded 500,000 ounces maintaining the status as
a Tier One complex and, additionally, both mines achieved a full year
without a Lost-Time Injury.
The CEO said Buzwagi made
significant progress with its closure implementation and environmental
management and monitoring progressed with a focus on water management and
vegetation maintenance.
“The Barrick Academy, which
opened at Buzwagi in 2024, is making significant strides in developing talent
for Barrick. With a focus on training foremen, supervisors and
superintendents, the Academy has already trained 1,700 individuals and is on
track to exceed its target of training over 2,800 people by the end of 2025.”
He said.
According to the Barrick
President, Twiga Minerals received numerous accolades in the past year,
including recognition for its safety, top employer, environmental performance
and community engagement. In 2024 North Mara was recognized as the
largest economic contributor in Tanzania’s extractive industry and received
several awards for its commitment to occupational health and safety, corporate
social responsibility, and local content compliance.
“Barrick’s work in Tanzania is
a model for sustainable mining that balances economic, environmental, and
social responsibility.” said Bristow adding that the recognition they received,
speaks to their commitment to excellence and the value they bring to their host
countries.” osoropj@gmail.com
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