Barrick Mining Corporation continues to carve out its own distinctive niche in supporting young students pursuing studies in Mining and Geology by equipping them with the practical skills they need as well as increase female representation in traditionally male dominated mining roles and eliminate barriers that hinder equal prospects, in the mining industry generally.
Through Barrick’s Young Scholars Empowerment Programme the company early this year provided scholarships to male and female students from University of Dar es Salaam looking to develop careers in mining.
Riziki Mvungi, a Tanzanian female student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mining and Geology at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa, said that a scholarship from Barrick Mining Corporation in Tanzania has brought her dream of becoming a skilled mining engineer closer to reality.
Mvungi is among five first-year students from the University of Dar es Salaam’s School of Mines and Geosciences (SOMG) won scholarships under Barrick’s Young Scholars Empowerment Programme, which supports students across Africa, East Africa and the Middle East bursary initiative.
The scholarship covers the beneficiaries’ educational expenses throughout their studies and provides opportunities for practical training at Barrick’s North Mara Mine in Mara Region and Bulyanhulu Mine in Shinyanga Region respectively.
Mvungi said the scholarship had given her an opportunity to pursue her academic ambitions while acquiring the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to become a competent mining professional.
“This scholarship from Barrick is not just financial support; to me, it is also a pathway to becoming a qualified Tanzanian mining professional. I am using this opportunity to study hard so that I can graduate with the expertise required to work as a modern mining engineer who meets international standards,” she said.
She said studying at the University of Johannesburg, combined with practical exposure at Barrick’s mines, had strengthened her confidence and broadened her understanding of the mining profession and other technical know-how.
The experience, according to her, had also reinforced her belief that mining should not be viewed as a male-only profession, arguing that women can excel in the industry when given equal opportunities, appropriate training and supportive working environments.
“Women can achieve great things if they are provided with a supportive environment, a strong educational foundation and adequate learning infrastructure. Even in the mining sector, which has long been male-dominated, women can successfully undertake various mining operations,” she emphasized.
Mvungi said she was determined to make the most of the scholarship and eventually use the knowledge and skills she acquired to support the development of Tanzania’s mining industry.
She said her ambition was to contribute to the sector’s growth by sharing her expertise with industry players, local communities and other stakeholders, helping strengthen the foundation for sustainable development in mining and related industries.
She also highlighted the importance of practical training in preparing students for the demands of the modern mining industry, saying exposure to experienced professionals and advanced technologies complemented classroom learning.
“At Barrick’s mines, we not only have access to experienced mining professionals who guide us, but we also learn about the application of modern technologies that complement what we study in the classroom. We are also exposed to new developments in the mining industry,” she said.
Mvungi encouraged schoolgirls to embrace science subjects, saying a strong foundation in science could open doors to higher education and careers in specialised fields such as mining engineering.
“The mining sector in Tanzania offers promising opportunities for successh both now and in the future. This is the time for young Tanzanians, especially girls, to seize these opportunities so that we can benefit from them while developing the expertise needed to manage our natural resources effectively,” she stressed.
Her Educational Journey
Mvungi’s journey towards a career in mining began in Mwanga District, where she attended Mwanga and Kawawa primary schools, completing her primary education in 2017.
She proceeded to Mwanga Secondary School before joining Mkuu Secondary School in Hai District, Kilimanjaro Region, for her advanced-leveRiziki Mvungi: Barrick Scholarships Support Mining’s Next Generation In Tanzanial studies.
Driven by her long-standing ambition to become a scientist, she opted for Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM), completing her advanced-level education in 2024 with Division One.
“I chose the science combination of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) because I had always dreamed of becoming a scientist. I completed my advanced-level studies in 2024 with Division One,” she said.
Following her strong academic performance, Mvungi joined the University of Dar es Salaam to pursue mining engineering, a decision she said was guided by her interest in science and her desire to contribute to the effective management of Tanzania’s mineral resources.
mShe said her university experience had helped her develop important life skills, including discipline, perseverance and self-reliance, while teaching her the value of building positive relationships with others both inside and outside the classroom.
Mvungi described mining engineering as a broad field with international career opportunities, offering avenues for developing expertise in mineral exploration, extraction and processing.
She said she was determined to use her education and practical experience to help strengthen Tanzania’s mining sector and ensure that the country benefits from its mineral wealth through the development of local expertise.
For Mvungi, the Barrick scholarship represents more than an opportunity to earn a degree. It is a stepping stone towards her ambition of becoming a mining engineer and contributing to the future of Tanzania’s mining industry.
Riziki Mvungi receives her scholarship to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree Mining and Geology at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa from the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) Vice-Chancellor, Professor William Anangisye. First from the left is Barrick Tanzania Country Manager, Dr Melkiory Ngido, while at the far right is the Dean of the School of Mines and Geosciences (SOMG) at UDSM, Professor Elisante Mshiu. (File Photo).