THE Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals has commended Barrick-Twiga Minerals for taking part in environmental protection and socio-economic development.

Committee chairman Kirunge Ng’enda lauded the company's adherence to international standards, noting its efforts to support Tanzanians through local content and corporate social responsibility (CSR), citing initiatives in education, water, and healthcare.

Deputy minister for Minerals, Steven Kiruswa, urged other mining companies to follow Barrick-Twiga’s lead in complying with local content and CSR regulations. He emphasised the government’s goal of fostering inclusivity and enabling Tanzanians to participate in the mining business.

Bulyanhulu mining general manager, Victor Lule, highlighted the company’s compliance with local content and CSR requirements, focusing on training local staff and building local capacity. He also pointed out the company’s efforts in empowering women and encouraging local suppliers.

 According to the statement, 96 per cent of the mining corporation’s employees were Tanzanians and urging local suppliers to be faithful, diligent, and deliver within the agreed timeframe.

Lule said Barrick-Twiga Minerals Corporation had addressed essential needs such as education, water wells, water pipelines, and healthcare by constructing dispensaries and implementing various programmes to support Tanzanians.

“We have heard the Barrick-Twiga Minerals Corporation general manager saying that the lifespan of Bulyanhulu Mine is 25 years, so Parliament, the government, and Barrick should continue working together to ensure mutual benefits during the  years,” he explained.

Kiruswa also called on other mining companies in the country to emulate the spirit of Barrick-Twiga Minerals Corporation in performing their daily duties in the mining sector.

He said the government, through the ministry of minerals, had observed significant progress in the implementation of local content and CSR regulations, which aim to uplift ordinary Tanzanians out of poverty.

He noted that the government’s objective in introducing these regulations was to embrace inclusivity, enhance social and community relations between the mine and local people, and increase Tanzanian participation in mining business investment.

The deputy minister further explained that effective compliance with local content regulations and enabling Tanzanians to participate in the mining business was a milestone paving the way for prosperity.

“Effective compliance with local content regulations and enabling Tanzanians to participate in mining business investment and improve their socio-economic wellbeing is crucial for enhancing the livelihoods of Tanzanians.”

  Lule  expressed  his gratitude to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals for their tour of the mining site, which provided an opportunity to learn about the company’s daily operations and activities.

He noted that the mining company fully complied with local content and CSR requirements, focusing on empowering and building the capacity of Tanzanians.

“We train local staff on the use of modern mining machines, technology, and technical know-how to ensure technology transfer, as we have a number of experts here,” he noted.

He said that, so far, 11 per cent of employees in various positions at Bulyanhulu were women, demonstrating the company’s commitment to empowering women in the mining sector in Tanzania.

He reiterated that the mining company would continue building the capacity of local suppliers, guiding them on how to do business with mining companies, register their businesses, and engage in training workshops, seminars, and conferences to strengthen mutual and sustainable relations.

Lule explained that 96 per cent of the mining corporation’s employees were Tanzanians, including some at management level, which was clear evidence that Barrick-Twiga Minerals Corporation was promoting a local content philosophy.

He cautioned local suppliers to be faithful, diligent, and deliver within the agreed timeframe. He noted that some local suppliers had failed to meet their obligations, sometimes underperforming and producing substandard products.