AKO Praised For Excellence Service In Mining Sector -

Mining Commission Chairperson Ms. Janet Lekashingo speaks to Barrick Twiga Minerals Corporation members of staff and managers during a one-day training workshop on local content and corporate social responsibility (CSR) implementation on Bulyanhulu mining site in Kakola, Msalala District.

Statistics show that 82 per cent of procurement was done by local suppliers, while the remaining 12 per cent was done by foreign suppliers

By Damas Makangale, Bulyanhulu, Kahama

THE Mining Commission in the country has expressed to have been impressed with the professional way to which AKO Company, the local catering company, is performing well in rolling out services at mining sites in the country.

This was said stated by the Chairperson of the Mining Commission, Ms. Janet Lekashigo, while responding to questions during a one-day training seminar on local content and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) implementation regarding the participation of Tanzanians on products and services in the mining sector in the country.

Ms. Lekashigo said that in abiding by local content, AKO has been performing well, and the Government’s aim is to see and empower Tanzanians to engage in business with mining companies, as well and invest in the sector.

She said the aim of the Government is to introduce the regulations of the local content and CSR for sustainability, inclusivity and a commitment of sharing the benefits of mining to local communities.

“This is not just about meeting 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 added, 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 Gold Corporation with its sister companies all its general managers were Tanzanians and urged other mining companies to heed local content compliance in the country.

“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.

Together with that, she 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 expressed, the company, Twiga Minerals Corporation, 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, Bulyanhulu Mining General Manager 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 at least 96 percent of the mining corporation were the 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.