By Guardian Reporter , The Guardian
Members of the Association of Local Authorities of Tanzania (ALAT) from Njombe Region have visited Barrick’s Buzwagi Mine in Kahama District, which is undergoing closure, and praised the process for being professionally carried out in line with international standards while leaving a sustainable legacy.
The delegation also commended plans to transform the former mine site into an industrial park and Special Economic Zone (SEZ), saying the initiative would continue to generate economic benefits for the community and attract investment.
Speaking about the visit, ALAT Njombe Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of ALAT at national level, Agnetha Mpangile, said the purpose of the visit was to learn from the implementation and management of projects under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies and regulations, with the aim of delivering positive results for communities.
“We have come to Buzwagi although we found the mine at the final stage of closure. However, we have witnessed how professionally the closure has been carried out, leaving a significant environmental and ecological legacy. We commend the Government for transforming the former mine site into a Special Economic Zone,” Mpangile said.
She added that the ALAT delegation visited various areas of the former mine site, which have now been transformed into attractive and sustainable environments that are expected to continue benefiting surrounding communities.
The delegation also visited the Buzwagi Special Economic Zone, which is already positioning itself as a potential commercial hub for the Lake Zone regions and neighbouring countries, with the potential to stimulate economic growth and attract investors.
“One of the major lessons we have learnt is how these community projects were implemented successfully, including the management of CSR funds and the involvement of communities in identifying projects. This is a model that can be emulated by our councils, municipalities and cities,” Mpangile said.
Giving the delegation an overview of the mine closure process on behalf of the Buzwagi Mine Closure Manager, Barrick Community Relations Officer Yunia Wangoya said Barrick would continue working with the Government to ensure the project was completed to international standards.
She said the company was committed to making Buzwagi a model for responsible mine closure by ensuring that the former mining site was transformed into sustainable projects that would benefit local communities and the country 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 will continue serving communities long after mining activities have ended at Barrick Buzwagi,” Wangoya said.
She also told the delegation that the mine had supported several development projects, including a clean and safe water project involving a rainwater treatment facility in Mwendakulima, under the Kahama Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (KUWASA).
The water project is expected to cost 4.8 billion shillings and, once completed, is projected to serve more than 66 per cent of residents in Kahama Municipality, helping to address water shortages.
Barrick has also upgraded Kahama Airport, which can now handle between 200 and 250 passengers at a time, improving air transport and facilitating business activities.
Barrick Buzwagi has supported communities living around the mine to establish sustainable agricultural projects, including beekeeping and poultry farming initiatives targeting young people and women.
Mining operations ended in July 2021, while the mine was officially closed in July 2022
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