WEDNESDAY March 19, 2025
By The Tranquility News Correspondent, Tanzania
When examining the history of mining in Tanzania, particularly in the country’s largest mines, it becomes evident that significant transformations have taken place, especially after 2019.
This pivotal year marked the resolution of a prolonged dispute between the Tanzanian government and Barrick Gold Corporation, leading to the establishment of Twiga Minerals Corporation.
This joint venture between the Tanzanian government and Barrick Gold was formed to oversee the operations of three major mines: Bulyanhulu, North Mara, and Buzwagi.
The name ‘Twiga’, which means giraffe in Swahili, symbolises Tanzania’s national identity and reflects the partnership’s commitment to the country’s development.
Under the agreement, the Tanzanian government acquired a 16 per cent free-carried shareholding in each mine.
Additionally, the government receives half of the economic benefits generated from taxes, royalties, clearing fees, and cash distributions.
An annual true-up mechanism ensures the 50/50 economic benefit split is maintained, fostering a balanced and mutually beneficial relationship.
One of the most remarkable outcomes of the 2019 agreement has been the significant improvements in the health and well-being of workers and surrounding communities.
Historically, mining areas have been hotpots for high HIV prevalence rates. However, under the management of the Twiga Minerals, the Bulyanhulu and North Mara mines have made substantial progress in reducing infections among their workforce.
Dr Nolask Kigodi, the resident physician at Bulyanhulu Gold Mine’s clinic, briefed the Tanzania Parliamentary Committee on Health and HIV/AIDS during its visit in mid-March.
He highlighted the mine’s success in lowering infection rates through targeted interventions. These include the promotion of safe practices, the provision of HIV treatment, and the elimination of stigma and discrimination against those living with HIV/AIDS.
“We have worked hard to combat stigma, and this has encouraged voluntary testing. Workers know that even if they test positive, their rights will be protected, and they will receive proper care. This has created a supportive environment where employees feel safe to seek help,” explained Dr Kigodi.
Besides HIV/AIDS, Twiga Minerals has also been at the forefront of malaria prevention in the communities surrounding its mines.
We have worked hard to combat stigma, and this has encouraged voluntary testing. Workers know that even if they test positive, their rights will be protected, and they will receive proper care. This has created a supportive environment where employees feel safe to seek help,” Dr Nolask Kigodi, the resident physician at Bulyanhulu Gold Mine’s clinic.
Through a combination of indoor residual spraying (IRS), long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs), larval source management (LSM), and personal protection measures, the company has reduced 60 per cent of malaria cases in the surrounding communities.
Pharmaceutical interventions, such as antimalarial drugs and intermittent preventive treatment, have complemented these efforts. Community engagement, early diagnosis, and ongoing research have further strengthened the fight against this debilitating disease.
The parliamentary committee was satisfied with measures Twiga Minerals takes to improve health outcomes for its workers and neighboring communities.
The Committee Chairman, Mr Hassan Mtenga, commended the mine for its efforts in combating HIV/AIDS and malaria, urging the company to continue expanding its initiatives.
He particularly emphasized the need for upgrading the Bulyanhulu clinic into a fully-fledged hospital, equipped with advanced medical technologies such as CT scans and MRI machines.
“Your clinic is impressive—it feels more like a luxury resort than a medical facility. The quality of care here is exceptional, and I understand that the mine’s lifespan has been extended by over 20 years. I urge you to invest in high-end medical equipment to further enhance your services,” Mr Mtenga said.
North Mara: A model of progress
The North Mara Gold Mine, another key asset under Twiga Minerals, has also seen remarkable health improvements since Barrick Gold assumed operational control in 2019.
By 2022, the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate among the mine’s workforce and surrounding communities had been halved, dropping from 3.3 per cent in 2018 to 1.5 per cent.
New HIV infections decreased from 16 cases in 2018 to 10 in 2021, while the rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) fell from 4.78 per cent in 2017 to 2.95 per cent in 2021.
Barrick Gold has implemented a comprehensive HIV/AIDS workplace policy at North Mara, which includes regular collaboration with the District Medical Officer (DMO) and NGOs on voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) campaigns.
The company distributes free condoms, educational materials, and provides frequent medical check-ups.
Additionally, it conducts air quality and occupational hygiene monitoring to ensure a safe working environment.
Barrick’s commitment to community health extends beyond the mine sites. The company has launched numerous awareness campaigns in partnership with the DMO, including World AIDS Day commemorations.
These initiatives have resulted into majority responding to VCTs, collection of units of blood, the donation of HIV rapid test kits, circumcisions, and cervical cancer screenings. Thousands of condoms, T-shirts, and educational brochures are distributed.
Diseases like tuberculosis and HIV not only hinder the social and economic development of host communities, but also pose risks to mining operations.
Reducing and eliminating these diseases is a critical part of the community health strategy, and it also benefits business by creating a healthier, more productive workforce.
The success of Twiga Minerals and its parent company, Barrick Gold, in addressing health challenges in Tanzania’s mining sector serves as a blueprint for sustainable mining practices.
By prioritising the well-being of workers and communities, the company has not only improved health outcomes but also strengthened its social license to operate.
As Tanzania continues harnessing its mineral wealth, the lessons learnt from Twiga Minerals’ innovative approaches to health and community engagement will undoubtedly inspire further progress in the industry.
The partnership between the Tanzanian government and Barrick Gold through Twiga Minerals has ushered in a new era of responsible mining.
By addressing critical health issues and investing in community welfare, the company has demonstrated that mining can be a force for positive change, benefiting both the economy and the people of TanzaniaΩ
