Lyn Frans
Minister of Minerals Antony Mavunde has praised Barrick North Mara Mine, located in Tarime District of the Mara Region, for its exemplary adherence to the Mining (Local Content) Act (Chapter 123) and the Mining (Local Content) Regulations of 2018, highlighting the mine’s commitment to prioritizing Tanzanians in its hiring practices.
In a recent press conference in Dodoma, Mavunde stated that North Mara Mine has effectively created 100 percent employment opportunities for Tanzanians, significantly helping to alleviate the country’s unemployment issue.
“Leaders and members of the management team of North Mara Mine are all Tanzanians. This aligns with the government’s strategy to ensure the Mining (Local Content) Act and its Regulations are fully implemented and doors are open for Tanzanians to participate in the country’s mining sector,” he explained.
He said the government would ensure Tanzanians fully participated in the entire mining sector chain and open more doors for Tanzanians to get jobs in various tenders within the mining sector.
“In mining projects, we have witnessed an increase in local employment opportunities from 6,668 out of 7,003 jobs (equivalent to 95 per cent) in 2018, to 18,853 out of 19,356 jobs (equivalent to 97 per cent) by December 2024,” he explained.
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He said in positions that required experience due to global technological advances, there had been a legal procedure for Tanzanians to succeed positions held by expatriates.
“Barrick through its North Mara Mine is an example of companies whose all top management positions operating at a high level are held by Tanzanians,” he added.
The minister also officially announced a list of 20 goods and services to be provided by mines through 100 per cent Tanzanian-owned companies, aiming at increasing the scope of Tanzanians’ participation in the mining sector.
He stated that the strategy involves implementing the directives of Her Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan to ensure that Tanzanians are fully integrated into the entire mining sector chain following the amendments to the Rules for the Participation of Tanzanians in the Mining Sector of 2018.
“On November 14, 2025, the Mineral Commission announced a list of goods and services designated for companies that are 100 percent Tanzanian-owned. This will be the first time the commission announces this under Regulation 13A,” Mavunde noted.
He highlighted that the procurement of goods and services from Tanzanian companies has risen significantly, from 1.85 trillion out of a total procurement of 3.01 trillion (62 percent) in 2018, to 4.41 trillion (88 percent) out of 5 trillion in 2024.
Additionally, he mentioned that the government is expanding opportunities for Tanzanians in the mining sector and enhancing benefits from mineral resources by designating a special investment zone at the former Barrick Buzwagi Gold Mine, covering 1,331 acres for the establishment of factories producing mining products. He reported that six factories have already been built, with 15 factory owners expressing interest in setting up operations in the area.
Minister Mavunde called on Tanzania’s private sector to take advantage of product supply opportunities and service provisions to mines, ensuring that a substantial amount of money remains in Tanzania to boost the nation’s economic growth.
He urged all investors to adhere to the Mining Act and implement the Mining (Local Content) Rules to facilitate Tanzanian participation in the mining sector. Furthermore, he encouraged Tanzanians to seize available opportunities in mining projects to tackle employment challenges for both individuals and the nation as a whole.
