Barrick-Twiga partnership boosts Tanzania’s economic growth

Barrick Gold Corporation has significantly contributed to Tanzania’s economy, injecting over 4.24 billion USD (about 10.6tri/) into the country since the establishment of the Twiga joint venture with the Tanzanian government in 2019.

In just 2024 alone, the company contributed an impressive 888 million USD (about 2.22tri/-) to the national economy alone, reinforcing the positive economic footprint that Barrick continues to establish in Tanzania.

The Twiga joint venture consists of gold mining operations—the North Mara and Bulyanhulu mines—both are integral to Tanzania’s mining sector and Barrick’s extensive presence in the country.

During a recent media briefing at Bulyanhulu, Barrick President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Bristow underscored the positive impact of the Twiga partnership, calling it a leader in Tanzania’s extractive industry.

He pointed out that, beyond the economic contributions, the partnership has also created thousands of jobs, supported local businesses, and funded essential community projects that continue to improve the lives of Tanzanians.

In a quick glance, one of the most significant impacts Barrick has made in Tanzania is in the area of local employment.

Through its partnership with the government, Barrick has created 6,185 jobs at the Twiga joint venture, with a striking 96 percent of the workforce being Tanzanian nationals.

This local employment strategy has not only provided job security to thousands of Tanzanians but has also empowered communities by offering opportunities for career advancement within the mining sector.

Of the 6,185 local employees, more than 53 percent are from the communities surrounding the North Mara and Bulyanhulu mines.

This ensures that the benefits of Barrick’s operations are felt directly by those living closest to the mines, helping to improve the overall standard of living in these areas.

Herre, Barrick’s focus on local employment is a vital part of its broader strategy to make a lasting and positive impact on the country’s workforce, with a clear goal to foster skilled professionals who can thrive in the mining industry for years to come.

The company’s approach is not just about hiring locally but also about advancing local talent.

Barrick has implemented various initiatives to train and develop Tanzanian workers to assume leadership roles within the company.

One of the standout initiatives is the Barrick Academy at Buzwagi, which opened in 2024.

The Academy focuses on developing local talent for mid- to senior-level positions such as foremen, supervisors, and superintendents.

Already, the academy has trained 1,700 individuals, with plans to exceed its target of 2,800 trained individuals by 2025.

Improving local businesses and competence

In addition to job creation, Barrick Gold is dedicated to improving the capabilities of local businesses by providing opportunities for Tanzanian suppliers and service providers.

In 2024, Barrick spent a substantial 573 million USD (about 1.46tri/-) on national suppliers and service providers, representing 83 percent of its total spend in the country.

This expenditure is a testament to Barrick’s commitment to supporting and growing Tanzania’s domestic economy by sourcing materials and services from local businesses.

What’s more impressive is that 75 percent of Barrick’s payments to suppliers and service providers in 2024 went to indigenous Tanzanian companies, far surpassing the company’s target of 61 percent.

This underscores the company’s goal to empower local businesses, enabling them to compete at a higher level and providing them with the tools to succeed in the global marketplace.

By providing access to such a significant portion of its spending, Barrick ensures that Tanzanian suppliers are better equipped to improve their capabilities and grow their own businesses, ultimately strengthening the nation’s economic independence.

Barrick’s focus on local content has set an example in the mining industry. Its procurement practices have not only supported Tanzanian businesses but have also helped them enhance their capacity to supply a variety of goods and services—ranging from construction materials to logistics and maintenance.

This ongoing support allows local suppliers to expand and diversify their offerings, which can lead to new business opportunities and the creation of additional jobs throughout Tanzania.

Barrick Gold’s contribution to Tanzania extends far beyond the realm of mining. Since the formation of the Twiga joint venture, Barrick has consistently prioritized investment in community development projects.

In 2024 alone, the company invested over 5 million USD (about 12.7bn/-) in initiatives that improve access to potable water, healthcare, and education in the communities surrounding its mines.

These investments are part of Barrick’s broader strategy to support sustainable development, create long-term value for local communities, and ensure that the benefits of mining extend to areas beyond the mines themselves.

Since 2019, Barrick’s total investment in community projects has reached a remarkable 15.8 million USD (about 40,168m/-), which has contributed to building schools, improving healthcare facilities, and supporting water infrastructure in rural Tanzania.

These contributions play a vital role in improving the quality of life for thousands of Tanzanians, while also strengthening Barrick’s reputation as a responsible corporate citizen.

Sustainability and environmental responsibility

Barrick’s commitment to sustainable mining practices has earned the company recognition for its environmental performance. The company’s North Mara mine was recently hailed as the largest economic contributor in Tanzania’s extractive industry, receiving awards for its commitment to occupational health and safety, corporate social responsibility, and local content compliance.

The company’s ability to maintain a zero Lost-Time Injury (LTI) record in 2024 at both its Bulyanhulu and North Mara mines speaks to its dedication to workplace safety and environmental stewardship.

Moreover, Barrick’s Buzwagi mine is making significant strides in its closure implementation and environmental management, focusing on water management and vegetation maintenance as part of its long-term environmental sustainability plan.

These initiatives highlight Barrick’s dedication to minimizing the environmental impact of its operations while maximizing the economic and social benefits to the local communities.

Barrick is also committed to expanding its footprint in Tanzania through continued exploration efforts. In 2024, the company made substantial progress in consolidating a highly prospective footprint in the Nzega District, adding over 2,000 km² of new areas to support its mineral reserve growth and replenishment at both North Mara and Bulyanhulu mines.

This ongoing exploration is key to Barrick’s long-term strategy of identifying Tier One systems in the region—high-value mining deposits that can sustain operations for decades to come.

The company’s exploration efforts in Tanzania have opened the door to a potential future of up to 50 more years of gold mining, with even more reserves yet to be discovered in the areas Barrick is currently exploring.

This extended timeframe for operations not only ensures continued economic benefits for Tanzania but also creates new opportunities for employment and business growth for years to come.

Recognition and appreciation for transparency

Barrick Gold’s efforts in Tanzania have not gone unnoticed.

The company has received numerous accolades over the past year, including recognition for its top employer status, environmental performance, and community engagement. In addition to these awards, Barrick’s commitment to transparency is also widely praised.

The Tanzanian government has lauded Barrick for providing quarterly updates to the public on the status of the joint venture and its ongoing operations in the country.

This level of transparency ensures that the people of Tanzania are kept informed and are able to see firsthand the positive impact of Barrick’s operations.

Elaborating on this, the Deputy Minister for Minerals Dr Steven Kiruswa, expressed his appreciation for Barrick’s ongoing efforts to explore new mineral reserves, creating jobs for Tanzanian youth and boosting the country’s economy.

He described Barrick as a role model investor and emphasized the government’s support for the company’s continued investment in the nation’s mining sector.

Barrick Gold Corporation’s operations in Tanzania are a prime example of how sustainable mining can contribute to both economic development and social progress.

Through job creation, local supplier growth, community investment, and environmental stewardship, Barrick is proving that mining can be a force for good.

As the company continues to explore new reserves, create jobs, and support local businesses, it remains a key player in the Tanzanian economy, paving the way for a prosperous future for both the company and the people of Tanzania.