KEY POINTS
- Tanzania renewed Barrick’s North Mara licence for another 15 years.
- Barrick says it has contributed $5.3 billion to Tanzania since 2019.
- Tanzanians make up 96% of Barrick’s workforce in the country.
The Tanzanian government has renewed the special mining licences for Barrick Mining Corporation’s North Mara Gold Mine for another 15 years, allowing the operation to continue investing in production, workers and surrounding communities.
Barrick announced the renewal on October 5, describing it as an important milestone in its long-term partnership with Tanzania.
The licence extension provides greater certainty for the future of the North Mara operation and allows Barrick to continue its mining activities and development plans over the coming years.
North Mara has been operated by Barrick since 2019, when the company and the Tanzanian government established Twiga Minerals to oversee the North Mara and Bulyanhulu mines.
Barrick says Tanzania has received $5.3 billion
Barrick said it has contributed approximately $5.3 billion to Tanzania’s economy since it took over operations in 2019.
The company said its contribution reached about $1.2 billion in 2025 alone through taxes, royalties, salaries, dividends and purchases from local businesses.
Barrick also said more than 90% of its procurement in Tanzania comes from locally registered companies, with most of these businesses classified as indigenous companies.
The company was recognised by the Tanzanian government in 2025 with several awards, including recognition as the country’s top dividend payer and highest contributor to government revenue.
The renewed licence could therefore provide a longer-term framework for continued government revenue, local procurement and investment around the mine.
Tanzanians make up 96% of workforce
Local employment remains a major part of Barrick’s operations in Tanzania.
The company said Tanzanian nationals account for 96% of its approximately 3,000 employees in the country. About 47% of the workforce is drawn from communities surrounding its mining operations.
Barrick Chief Executive Officer of its Rest of World business, Seb Bock, said the company had worked with the government and local communities since 2019 to strengthen relationships and create more opportunities for Tanzanians.
The company said its approach is focused on building long-term partnerships with government, communities and other stakeholders.
Government owns 16% of North Mara
Under the Twiga Minerals arrangement established in 2019, the Tanzanian government holds a 16% interest in North Mara and Bulyanhulu.
The government and Barrick share the economic benefits from the mines equally under the partnership structure.
Community Development Committees also play a role in determining which projects should receive priority in areas around the mines. These projects include investments in schools, health clinics and roads.
Tarime District Commissioner Major Edward Gowele said relations between North Mara and surrounding communities had improved since Barrick took over operations, adding that residents increasingly viewed the mine as a community partner.
The 15-year licence renewal gives Barrick and Tanzania a longer period to build on the existing partnership while maintaining North Mara’s contribution to employment, government revenue and community development.
