Barrick Gold Corporation, a leading international gold miner, has significantly contributed to Tanzania’s economic development through various initiatives, including the construction of a new airport terminal at the closed Buzwagi gold mine’s Kahama airstrip. The $384,000 terminal, a joint venture with the Tanzania Airport Authority (TAA), marks a pivotal step in introducing scheduled airline services to Kahama, enhancing both accessibility and economic prospects in the region.
The new terminal, designed to accommodate over 200 passengers, starkly contrasts with the previous capacity of 25. It features modern amenities such as an arrivals and departures area, a VIP lounge, a meeting room, coffee and gift shops, and facilities for persons with disabilities. This project exemplifies Barrick Gold’s commitment to sustainable mining and leaving a lasting, positive legacy for local communities.
Mark Bristow, President and CEO of Barrick Gold, emphasized the role of sustainable mining in creating long-term value for stakeholders and the local community. The Buzwagi mine, which officially closed in July 2022 after nearly 15 years of operation, was a significant economic contributor to Tanzania’s Shinyanga region. Barrick’s ongoing efforts include a feasibility study for a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to replace the mine as a regional economic catalyst.
Barrick has also transformed two previously derelict Tanzanian mines into a world-class gold-producing complex. The North Mara and Bulyanhulu mines, now part of Twiga Minerals, a joint venture between Barrick and the Tanzanian government, have become Tier 1 gold producers under Barrick’s stewardship.
According to a report by Mining Weekly, Bristow highlighted that the Twiga partnership has revolutionized Tanzania’s gold mining industry, reaffirming the country as an attractive destination for metal and mineral investments. The revival of these mines involved conversion drilling to replenish reserves and exploration of further underground and surface opportunities, extending the mines’ lifespans and boosting production.
Since taking over in 2019, Barrick’s operations in Tanzania have become the largest contributors to government revenue through taxes, employment, local supplier payments, community projects, and shareholder distributions, with a total investment exceeding $3.4 billion.
Barrick Tanzania’s commitment to community integration and value addition is evident in its certification as a top employer by the global Top Employer Institute. The company’s initiatives extend beyond mining, contributing significantly to social causes, including the fight against violence against women and children.
Furthering its community engagement, Twiga is close to completing a $30 million Future Forward education initiative, set to substantially enhance Tanzania’s educational infrastructure and benefit an additional 49,000 pupils.
Bristow concludes by highlighting the success of Barrick’s partnership model in Tanzania, seeing it as a blueprint for the future of mining in developing countries. This model has been replicated in the reconstituted Porgera mine in Papua New Guinea and the Reko Diq copper/gold project in Pakistan, demonstrating Barrick’s commitment to responsible and beneficial mining practices globally.
