Barrick Gold drives Tanzania’s mining growth

Barrick Gold Corporation has contributed over US$4.24bn to Tanzania’s economy since launching the Twiga joint venture with the government in 2019, injecting US$888mn in 2024 alone

Twiga oversees operations at the North Mara and Bulyanhulu gold mines.

During a media briefing, Barrick president and CEO Mark Bristow emphasised Twiga’s leadership in Tanzania’s extractive sector, highlighting job creation, local business support, and substantial community investments.

“We spent US$573mn on national suppliers and service providers last year, representing about 83% of our total spend in-country. Additionally, 75% of all our payments to suppliers and service providers went to indigenous companies, exceeding our target of 61%,” Bristow said.

Sustainable mining success?

With a strong commitment to local employment, 96% of Barrick’s 6,185-strong workforce are Tanzanian nationals, 53% of whom come from communities near the mines. The company invested over US$5mn in 2024 in potable water, healthcare, and education, bringing total community investments to US$15.8mn since Twiga’s formation in 2019.

Production guidance for Bulyanhulu and North Mara in 2024 exceeded 500,000 ounces, reinforcing the sites’ Tier One1 complex status. Additionally, both mines completed a full year without a Lost-Time Injury.

Buzwagi made significant strides in its closure plan, focusing on environmental management, water conservation, and vegetation maintenance. A Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is also progressing, attracting investor interest, with one company already obtaining Export Processing Zone registration.

The Barrick Academy, established at Buzwagi in 2024, is making significant progress in developing talent. Focused on training foremen, supervisors, and superintendents, the academy has trained 1,700 individuals to date and is set to surpass its target of 2,800 trained personnel by the end of 2025.

Continued conversion drilling at North Mara and Bulyanhulu has replenished reserves, while exploration efforts have expanded Barrick’s footprint in the Nzega District. The company has secured over 2,000km² of new exploration areas to support long-term mineral reserve growth in Tanzania.

Twiga received multiple industry recognitions over the past year for its safety measures, employer excellence, environmental practices, and community engagement. In 2024, North Mara was named the largest economic contributor in Tanzania’s extractive industry and earned awards for occupational health and safety, corporate social responsibility, and compliance with local content regulations.

“Barrick’s work in Tanzania is a model for sustainable mining that balances economic, environmental, and social responsibility,” said Bristow. “The recognition we have received speaks to our commitment to excellence and the value we bring to our host countries.”