Tanzanians take the lead at Geita Gold Mine

MWANZA: GEITA Gold Mine (GGM), a subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti, has emerged as a model of responsible mining by placing Tanzanian talent at the heart of its operations.

As the mining sector continues to be one of the country’s economic backbones, the pressure to ensure local participation and regulatory compliance has intensified.

In reality, GGM has stepped up with practical initiatives to build a competent national workforce, transfer technology and align its operations with national laws and local content regulations.

During the fourth forum on the implementation of “Local Content” in the mining sector held recently in Ilemela Municipality, GGM showcased how it is shaping the future of Tanzania’s mining industry not just through mineral extraction, but by empowering its people and institutions.

Speaking during the forum, the GGM representative Mr Cyprian Mtweve, highlighted the mine’s transformational impact on local communities and the Tanzanian workforce at large.

According to him, 2,293 citizens are directly employed by the company and 4,671 working through contractors. The company also supports 36 interns and maintains a pool of 57 technical experts. He said 97.5 percent of all staff are Tanzanians, a figure that reflects the company’s commitment to empowering local talent and at the highest levels of decision-making, the mine ensures inclusivity 80 percent of executive management positions are held by Tanzanians.

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“We have deliberately localized our operations and empowered communities by offering meaningful employment and professional growth opportunities to Tanzanians,” he explained.

He said the company’s internship program, which currently supports 36 young Tanzanians, is a testament to its belief in nurturing future leaders.

He said interns gain hands-on experience in mining operations, safety protocols, engineering and sustainability practices preparing them for long-term careers in Tanzania’s mineral sector and beyond.

Beyond employment, Mr Mtweve said GGM is a cornerstone of economic vitality in Geita region and the presence of the mine has catalyzed local business growth, enhanced infrastructure, and attracted ancillary industries further boosting regional economic development.

“By working with local suppliers and service providers, we are contributing to a stronger and more resilient local economy,” he emphasized.

According to him, the mine’s focus on local procurement and capacity building is aligned with national objectives under Tanzania’s local content regulations, which aim to ensure that mining revenues trickle down to benefit citizens and local enterprises. He said the success of GGM is anchored in a valuesbased approach to business. Safety comes first, followed by a culture of respect, integrity and excellence.

He said the company also champions sustainability, making strategic efforts to reduce its environmental footprint while contributing positively to the surrounding communities.

“We are committed to leaving a lasting legacy, and our values of safety, respect, integrity, sustainability, excellence and collaboration guide everything we do,” he said.

As Tanzania pushes forward with its industrial and economic transformation agenda, he said GGM stands out as a model for how mining can be both profitable and socially responsible.

With a workforce rooted in Tanzanian soil and a vision geared toward sustainable impact, he said GGM continues to demonstrate that mining done right can be a powerful force for good. Crucially, he said GGM is not only employing Tanzanians, it is nurturing them into leaders for their better future in mining activities’.

“We have a 100 percent succession coverage plan for every expatriate position at the mine,” he said, adding, “Each Tanzanian successor has an Individual Development Plan, ensuring that our people are prepared to take over critical roles as the company grows,” He said since 2017, over 30 positions, including 12 managerial roles, have been successfully localized, highlighting GGM’s commitment to Tanzanian leadership within the mining sector.

Nurturing future talent

He said the mine’s investment in young professionals is also noteworthy, where so far GGM has recruited 258 Tanzanian graduates through its Internship Program and offers over 160 students annually a chance to complete field practical training onsite which has helped to bridge the skills gap between academic institutions and the mining industry.