THE Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG) has dismissed allegations of human rights violations and abuse at the North Mara Gold Mine as raised by Mining Watch Canada, a non-governmental organisation.

Judge (rtd) Mathew Mwaimu, the commission chairman, said in a statement released yesterday that North Mara was in full compliance with legal procedures when it acquired 652 acres of land in Komarera for mining expansion.

The commission investigated the issue in April and May, concluding that no harm occurred in the firm’s expansion into Komarera and Kewanja villages in Tarime District, Mara Region.

The valuation and acquisition of the land were carried out transparently and with the involvement of all parties, where those whose land was taken were duly compensated, he said.

It investigated allegations against the North Mara Mine for not following proper land acquisition procedures in 2021 and 2022, including allegations of forcibly removing residents of Komarera and Kewanja villages from their land.

Mining Watch Canada based in Toronto had affirmed that the company was using force, threats abuse and humiliation in expanding its mining activities, claims that the commission found to be untrue.

Samwel Timasi, chairman of the Tanzania Community Union, Tarime branch, said that international activists often face challenges with their reports when they do not visit the actual site to meet actual stakeholders. 

Instead, they obtain information from agents or representatives, which can be inaccurate as “some activists and politicians provide misleading information for their own benefit, which does not always reflect the true situation,” he stated.

The NGO has on the contrary worked in Tanzania since 2008, improving food security among children and families, providing nutritious school meals, bolstering agricultural growth

Beatriz Balbin, head of the special procedures branch under the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, sent a joint communication letter to the Mark Bristow, the Barrick Gold president and chief executive officer, following the report, on 22 April 2024.

The UN body sought for clarification regarding those allegations, in which case the mining firm appealed to CHRAGG to investigate the matter and satisfy itself on the issues, the statement indicated.

 “We would like to bring to your attention information we have received concerning alleged human rights violations committed at the North Mara Mine, an industrial gold mine located in Nyamongo,” the UN executive had stated in the letter.

In response, Barrick stated that the mine management followed all processes as required by law and involved all relevant parties in the relocation process.

This included notifying local government authorities about the intention to acquire land for expansion, conducting a market price survey by a registered consultant, reviewed by the regional land commissioner, and approved by the government valuer. “The market survey was completed to determine the time and value of the property to ensure accuracy,” the CEO noted, indicating that a meeting involving a broad range of local government officials including village leaders reached a consensus on the matter before it was put into action, all of which was concluded before the valuation begins.

CHRAGG investigates complaints received from individuals or groups regarding human rights violations or contravening governance principles. It conducts research on human rights and governance issues and provides legal assistance to eligible victims. 

Additionally, it collaborates with national, regional, and international organisations dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights, the statement added.