Mara RC heaps praise to Barrick's humanitarian assistance in aid of Musoma residents affected by recent rains

Barrick President and CEO Dr Mark Bristow

By Mara Online News Writer 

Efforts of the North Mara Gold Mine management and workers have paid off, thus winning praise from international circles for transforming the mining centre into a world-class entity.

North Mara is now one of the best gold mines in the world. Were proud with what the North Mara team has done, Barrick Gold Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Mark Bristow, told journalists last week.

Dr Bristow, the global in-charge of international conglomerate, gave the praise at a press briefing held at the Bulyanhulu Gold Mine in Kahama district in Shinyanga region.

He said Barrick has invested heavily in exploration initiatives at the North Mara Gold Mine which have seen the mines lifespan increasing to 30 years ahead.

Both North Mara and Bulyanhulu gold mines are operated by a joint venture company, Twiga Minerals, which is a partnership between Barrick and the Tanzania government.

Dr Bristow said the worlds largest mining firm has since 2019 invested USD 4.24 billion (over 11 trillion Tanzanian shillings) in the economy of the East African nation when it took over the management of the two mines.

He attributed the immense benefits resulting from the gold mines to a role model partnership between Barrick and Twiga Minerals.

Theres no better way to explain the partnership. Its both open and transparent, he said.

He said 96 per cent of the companys 6,185-strong workforce is composed of Tanzanians, with 53 per cent coming from communities around the mines.

Apart from that, 83 per cent of companys needs are locally available through tenderers and indigenous service providers, Dr Bristow said.

Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr Stephen Kiruswa, said it was heartening to see that North Mara has become one of the best gold mines in the world.

Were happy to see North Mara has become an illustration for Barrick, the nation and the world, he said at the press briefing, also attended by various leaders including Shinyanga Regional Commissioner Anamringi Macha.

He said the Tanzanian government would continue to supervise all mining centres to ensure that they adhere to the principles of environmental conservation and human rights.

The minister said the government would continue to cooperate with Barrick to make sure the companys investment touches the lives of the majority Tanzanians.

Barricks investment has penetrated into the fabric of the of the Tanzanian society, touching every sector education, healthcare, water, infrastructure (roads) and employment, Dr Kiruswa said.

The Barrick President and CEO has created a feedback routine of disseminating information to the Tanzania media on the activities of the North Mara and Bulyanhulu gold mines.

This routine information feedback has won praise from Dr Kiruswa who said its a good example to be emulated.

On his part, the Shinyanga Regional Commissioner praised Barrick for building a key road in the rich cotton-growing region.

Were proud of this road. It would be a key illustration of what Barrick is doing to boost Tanzanians development as far as the economy of the country is concerned, he explained.