The valuation of properties belonging to residents affected by the construction of a new Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) at the North Mara Gold Mine in Tanzania is progressing well. Senior Valuer from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Mr. Baraka Mollel, stated that authorities are committed to ensuring a transparent and fair process. The valuation exercise is taking place in Matongo and Nyangoto villages in Matongo Ward, Tarime District, Mara.
Mr. Mollel emphasized that the valuation experts are working closely with local leaders and residents to ensure the exercise remains transparent, participatory, and fair. The valuation process involves identifying, measuring, and valuing every citizen's property within the affected area in accordance with established procedures and the property's actual value. This process aims to facilitate compensation payments to affected residents ahead of the acquisition of land required for the TSF project.
Tarime District Commissioner, Major Edward Gowele, reported that the response from residents has been significant and satisfactory, with 350 people having their assets valued since September 15, 2026. The valuation process is expected to be completed within 60 days. The project requires approximately 419 acres of land for the construction of the new tailings storage facility. The government, in collaboration with North Mara mine, held meetings to inform and sensitize residents about the project and the valuation process.
Major Gowele highlighted that the exercise has involved stakeholders from village and ward levels through to the district administration, creating opportunities for residents and local leaders to participate. The valuation is being conducted by experts from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, with the involvement of human rights advocates and government bodies, including the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), to ensure fairness and transparency.
Barrick Company Relations Manager, Mr. Francis Uhadi, stated that the company is ready to proceed with the process promptly, stressing that the rights and interests of affected residents will be respected and protected in accordance with Tanzanian laws and established procedures. Barrick has more than 90 percent of production-related goods sourced from local suppliers, while Tanzanians account for 96 percent of its workforce.
The TSF project is expected to support the continued operation of North Mara, which is operated by Barrick in partnership with the Tanzanian government through Twiga Minerals. According to Barrick, technical studies have extended the mine's operational life from 2030 to 2041. Since the partnership began in 2019, Barrick has invested $4.79 billion in Tanzania's economy.
The valuation process and TSF project have garnered attention from various stakeholders, with a focus on ensuring that the rights and interests of affected residents are protected. With the project's progress, the North Mara Gold Mine is expected to continue operating, contributing to Tanzania's economy and creating opportunities for local residents.
Key points
- The valuation exercise for properties affected by the TSF project at North Mara Gold Mine has assessed 350 residents' assets so far.
- The project requires approximately 419 acres of land and aims to extend the mine's operational life from 2030 to 2041.
- Barrick has invested $4.79 billion in Tanzania's economy since its partnership with the government began in 2019.
