By Staff Writer, Bulyanhulu, Kahama
The Mining Commission has hailed Barrick and Twiga Mines
in the country for effectively complying with local content and enabling
Tanzanians to participate in mining business investment and improve their
socioeconomic wellbeing.
Some managers and members of staff of Bulyanhulu and North Mara Gold Mine attending tentatively a one-day training
workshop on local content and Corporate Social Responsibility regulations at Bulyanhulu mine site in Kakola, Msalala District in Kahama recently.
Speaking at the weekend during a one-day training workshop on local content and corporate social responsibility (CSR) implementation on a Bulyanhulu gold mining site, Mining Commission Chairperson Janet Lekashingo said the aim of the government to introduce the regulations of the local content and CSR was to embrace sustainability, inclusivity and a commitment of sharing the benefits of mining to local communities.
“This is not just about workshop obligations; it’s about
shaping the future where mining makes a lasting positive impact. From its
inception, the Mining Commission has been steadfast in ensuring Tanzanian goods
and services take precedence in this sector,” she said.
She explained that by prioritising local participation,
they had witnessed a notable increase in Tanzanians benefiting directly from
the mining sector, a clear sign of progress compared to past years.
She said local content compliance was about empowering
communities - creating jobs, fostering local businesses and uplifting the lives
of the people surrounding mining areas by inviting them to participate
indirectly in business and mining activities.
“As we embark on this workshop, let us remember the
critical role local content plays in unlocking Tanzania’s potential. It serves
as a bridge that connects global expertise with local talents, ensuring that
the mining sector becomes the cornerstone of our national progress,” she
explained.
Some managers and members of staff of
Bulyanhulu and North Mara Gold Mine attending tentatively a one-day training
workshop on local content and Corporate Social Responsibility regulations at
Bulyanhuru mine site in Kakola, Msalala District in Kahama recently.
She said she was very happy to see that Barrick General Managers in all Mines in Tanzania are Tanzanians and urged other mining companies to heed local content compliance in the country.
“It is vital for the company to empower local suppliers
in the country as part of the government and mining company’s efforts to build
capacity, create and promote mutual understanding and cooperation.
Ms Lekashingo advised Twiga Minerals Corporation to focus
on sustainable projects that left behind footprints instead of importing
everything such machinery, bulldozers, underground support machines and other
equipment for mining drilling.
Ms Lekashingo stressed that the government was keen on
seeing the establishment of industries that served the mining sector by also
setting up Buzwagi as a special economic zone that invited local and foreign
investors to set up industries as a game charger for the mining sector in the
country.
Bulyanhulu Mine, General Manager,
Victor Lule explain how does a Sandvik Automine digital machine operate as
mining operator shows how the digital machines in the underground operations to
Mining commission delegations who paid a visit to the mine site, recently in
Kakola village in Bulyanluru.
She said they should also look for an alternative way of
establishing industries for mining machines which would create jobs for Tanzanians,
and enable the government to collect tax and reduce the volume of imported
products, while fostering socioeconomic development.
For his part, General Manager at Barrick Bulyanhulu Mine
Victor Lule, said the company thanked the Government for the timely assistance
in the implementation of the CSR and local content compliance as it was mainly
focusing on empowering and building the capacity of Tanzanians.
“So far, we are on track as statistics show that 82 per
cent of our procurement was done by local suppliers, while the remaining 12 per
cent was done by foreign suppliers. We are walking our talk when it comes to
local content compliance.
He reiterated that the mining firm would continue
educating businesspeople and local suppliers on how to do business with mining
companies on how to register their companies and engage with training
workshops, seminars and conferences to build mutual and sustainable relations.
Mr Lule explained that the mining corporation had 96 per
cent of its employees were Tanzanians, some of them at management level which
was a clear testimony that Twiga Minerals Corporation was promoting local
content philosophy.
He also cautioned local suppliers to be faithful,
diligent and deliver the work within the timeframe as agreed. He said some
local suppliers failed to meet their obligations and sometimes delivered
substandard products.
Mining Commission Director of Mineral Audit and Trade
Venance Kasiki congratulated Barrick Twiga for local content compliance, but
also cautioned the mining management to focus on sustainable projects that
impacted the community.
He also pointed out that the mining commission had
several meetings with financial institutions in the country such as local banks
to start financing local suppliers in the mining sector such as issuing loans
as stepping stones to facilitate local content.
“We have several meetings and discussions with various
banks in the country such as CRDB, NMB and others to start looking at mining as
a fast growing and potential sector and not a risk,” he said.
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