Barrick, Twiga Mines Hailed For Local Content Implementation -

Bulyanhuru General Manager Victor Lule explains a point during a one-day training workshop on local content and CSR compliance to Mining Commission officials. Right the Chairperson of Mining Commission Janet Lekashingo

By Staff Writer, Bulyanhulu, Kahama

The Mining Commission has hailed Barrick and Twiga Mines in the country for effectively complying with local content and enabling Tanzanians to participate in mining business investment and improve their socioeconomic wellbeing.

Speaking at the weekend during a one-day training workshop on local content and corporate social responsibility (CSR) implementation on a Bulyanhulu gold mining site, Mining Commission Chairperson Ms Janet Lekashingo said the aim of the government to introduce the regulations of the local content and CSR was to embrace sustainability, inclusivity and a commitment of sharing the benefits of mining to local communities.

“This is not just about workshop obligations; it’s about shaping the future where mining makes a lasting positive impact. From its inception, the Mining Commission has been steadfast in ensuring Tanzanian goods and services take precedence in this sector,” she said.

She explained that by prioritising local participation, they had witnessed a notable increase in Tanzanians benefiting directly from the mining sector, a clear sign of progress compared to past years.

She said local content compliance was about empowering communities – creating jobs, fostering local businesses and uplifting the lives of the people surrounding mining areas by inviting them to participate indirectly in business and mining activities.

“As we embark on this workshop, let us remember the critical role local content plays in unlocking Tanzania’s potential. It serves as a bridge that connects global expertise with local talents, ensuring that the mining sector becomes the cornerstone of our national progress,” she explained.

She said she was very happy to see that Barrick General Managers in all Mines in Tanzania are Tanzanians and urged other mining companies to heed local content compliance in the country.

Some managers and members of staff of Bulyanhuru and North Mara Gold Mine attending tentatively a one-day training workshop on local content and Corporate Social Responsibility regulations at Bulyanhuru mine site in Kakola, Msalala District in Kahama recently.

“It is vital for the company to empower local suppliers in the country as part of the government and mining company’s efforts to build capacity, create and promote mutual understanding and cooperation.

Ms Lekashingo advised Twiga Minerals Corporation to focus on sustainable projects that left behind footprints instead of importing everything such machinery, bulldozers, underground support machines and other equipment for mining drilling.

She stressed that the government was keen on seeing the establishment of industries that served the mining sector by also setting up Buzwagi as a special economic zone that invited local and foreign investors to set up industries as a game charger for the mining sector in the country.

She added, they should also look for an alternative way of establishing industries for mining machines which would create jobs for Tanzanians, and enable the government to collect tax and reduce the volume of imported products, while fostering socioeconomic development.

For his part, General Manager at Barrick Bulyanhulu Mine, Mr Victor Lule, said the company thanked the Government for the timely assistance in the implementation of the CSR and local content compliance as it was mainly focusing on empowering and building the capacity of Tanzanians.

“So far, we are on track as statistics show that 82 per cent of our procurement was done by local suppliers, while the remaining 12 per cent was done by foreign suppliers. We are walking our talk when it comes to local content compliance.

He reiterated that the mining firm would continue educating businesspeople and local suppliers on how to do business with mining companies on how to register their companies and engage with training workshops, seminars and conferences to build mutual and sustainable relations.

Mr Lule explained that the mining corporation had 96 per cent of its employees were Tanzanians, some of them at management level which was a clear testimony that Twiga Minerals Corporation was promoting local content philosophy.

He also cautioned local suppliers to be faithful, diligent and deliver the work within the timeframe as agreed. He said some local suppliers failed to meet their obligations and sometimes delivered substandard products.

Mining Commission Director of Mineral Audit and Trade, Mr Venance Kasiki congratulated Barrick Twiga for local content compliance, but also cautioned the mining management to focus on sustainable projects that impacted the community.

He also pointed out that the mining commission had several meetings with financial institutions in the country such as local banks to start financing local suppliers in the mining sector such as issuing loans as stepping stones to facilitate local content.

“We have several meetings and discussions with various banks in the country such as CRDB, NMB and others to start looking at mining as a fast growing and potential sector and not a risk,” he said.

Bulyanhulu and North Mara mines are jointly owned by Barrick Gold Corporation and the government of Tanzania through Twiga Minerals Corporation.