Members of the Association of Local Authorities of Tanzania (ALAT) from Njombe Region have paid a one-day working visit to Barrick’s Buzwagi Mine in Kahama District, which is undergoing closure.
The delegation commended the professional manner in which the closure is being handled in line with international standards, while leaving a sustainable legacy, including the transformation of the former mine site into a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
Speaking during the visit, ALAT Njombe Chairperson, who is also ALAT National Vice-Chairperson, Agnetha Mpangile, said the purpose of the visit was to learn about the implementation and management of projects under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies and regulations.
She said the overall objective was to deliver positive outcomes for communities, as Barrick has successfully done through impactful projects in areas surrounding its mines in Tanzania.
“We came here to Buzwagi and, although we found the mine in the final stages of closure, we have witnessed how professionally the closure process has been undertaken, leaving a significant positive environmental and ecological footprint. We commend the Government for transforming the former mine site into a Special Economic Zone (SEZ),” Mpangile said.
She said the ALAT delegation visited various parts of the former mine site, which now feature attractive landscapes and sustainable environmental improvements that are expected to continue benefiting surrounding communities, as well as investors seeking opportunities within the Buzwagi Special Economic Zone.
The SEZ is already showing potential to become a major business hub serving Tanzania’s Lake Zone regions and neighbouring countries, while contributing to the country’s economic growth. The delegation also visited CSR projects implemented by the mine that continue to benefit local communities.
“One of the major lessons we have learnt is how effectively these community projects have been implemented, particularly the management of CSR funds and the involvement of communities in identifying priority projects. This provides a model that can be replicated by our district councils, municipalities and cities,” Mpangile said.
Briefing the delegation on behalf of the Buzwagi Mine Closure Manager, Barrick Community Relations Officer Yunia Wangoya said Barrick would continue working closely with the Government throughout the process to ensure the project is completed in accordance with international standards.
She said the objective was for Buzwagi to serve as a benchmark for responsible mine closure by ensuring that the former mining area hosts sustainable projects that continue to benefit surrounding communities and the nation as a whole.
“The responsibility of a sustainable mining company is not only to create value for stakeholders during the life of a mine, but also to ensure that it leaves behind a positive legacy that continues to serve communities long after mining operations have come to an end at Barrick Buzwagi,” Wangoya said.
The delegation was also briefed on several projects implemented by the mine, including a clean and safe water project involving a rainwater filtration facility at Mwendakulima.
The project, which is being implemented under the Kahama Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (KUWASA), is expected to cost TSh 4.8 billion.
Once completed, the project is expected to serve more than 66 per cent of Kahama Municipality’s residents and help address water shortages.
Barrick has also upgraded Kahama Airport, which can now accommodate between 200 and 250 passengers at a time, helping to improve air connectivity and facilitate business activities.
In addition, Barrick Buzwagi has supported communities surrounding the mine to establish sustainable agricultural and livelihood projects, including beekeeping and poultry farming initiatives targeting young people and women.
For approximately 15 years, Buzwagi Gold Mine was a major economic hub in Tanzania’s Shinyanga Region. At its peak, Buzwagi was the second-largest mine in Tanzania and employed about 3,000 people.
Its operational life came to an end in July 2021, and the mine was officially closed in July 2022.