Barrick’s North Mara Mine has distributed over Sh2 billion in royalty payments to five villages in Tarime District.
The payment, totalling Sh1.1 billion, was handed over yesterday. This follows an earlier distribution of Sh1.2 billion between the second quarter of last year and the first quarter of this year.
The funds were allocated to the villages of Genkuru, Nyamwanga, Nyangoto, Kerende, and Kewanja, which held mining licenses when the North Mara Mine was established by East Africa Gold Mines, now known as North Mara Gold Mine, at the Nyabigena pit.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at Igwe Secondary School in Tarime, the minister of Minerals, Mr Anthony Mavunde, affirmed the government’s commitment to overseeing the mining sector to ensure it contributes to national revenue growth while benefiting local communities.
He emphasised the importance of effectively utilising the funds to demonstrate the positive impact of mining investments.
He also urged for the inclusion of youth, women, and elders in mining-related activities, instructing the Mining Commission and the Mara Regional Office to allocate research and mining areas specifically for these groups.
Additionally, minister Mavunde announced plans for a collaboration between the ministry of Minerals and the ministry of Agriculture to drill water wells in Nyamongo.
This project aims to improve water access for vegetable farming, complementing existing agricultural efforts.
“Recent years have seen the mining sector significantly contribute to national revenue, reaching Sh753 billion last financial year,” Mavunde said.
Barrick Tanzania Manager Melkiory Ngido expressed gratitude to the government for creating a conducive investment environment and committed to addressing public concerns and following government directives to maintain positive relations.
North Mara Mine General Manager Apolinary Lyambiko said in the second quarter of 2024 alone, Twiga Minerals had provided over a total of Sh2.3 billion benefiting villages as Kerende,
Kewanja, Nyamwaga, Nyangoto, and Genkuru. North Mara Gold Mine Limited has continued its tradition of royalty payments to these villages, which held mining licenses when the mine was first established on April 27, 1996.
He added that between 2020 and 2024, the mine contributed a total of Sh69 billion to the community and government.
This amount includes royalties to private license holders, contributions to the North Mara Trust Fund for education, service levies to the Tarime District Council, and CSR funds.