The valuation of properties belonging to residents affected by the planned construction of a new Tailings Storage Facility at the North Mara Gold Mine is underway in Matongo and Nyangoto villages. The exercise, which started recently, aims to ensure that every affected property is properly identified, measured, and assessed in accordance with established procedures and its actual value. Senior Valuer from the Office of the Chief Valuer at the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Mr Baraka Mollel, stated that the process is proceeding well and that the government is committed to ensuring transparency, participation, and fairness.
The valuation exercise is being conducted in close cooperation with local leaders and residents, allowing valuation experts to work directly with communities and address issues arising during the assessment. According to Mr Mollel, the involvement of residents and local authorities is intended to strengthen transparency and public participation while ensuring that the valuation process reflects the assets located within the area earmarked for the project. The exercise has already assessed over 350 residents' properties and other assets as of September 15.
Tarime District Commissioner Major Edward Gowele reported that the response from residents has been significant and satisfactory, describing the participation recorded so far as an important indication of community engagement with the process. He stated that the valuation exercise is expected to be completed within 60 days. The project requires approximately 419 acres of land for the construction of the new TSF, making the valuation exercise a critical stage before the land acquisition process can move forward.
The valuation exercise is linked to the proposed construction of a new Tailings Storage Facility at North Mara Gold Mine, which is essential for maintaining operations and managing mining waste. For North Mara, the proposed facility is closely connected to the mine's future operations, with technical studies extending the operational life of North Mara from 2030 to 2041. The proposed TSF is expected to support the mine's continued operation during this extended period.
The development has significance beyond the immediate land acquisition process, and it is also linked to the longer-term future of one of Tanzania's established gold-mining operations. North Mara is operated by Barrick in partnership with the Government of Tanzania through Twiga Minerals, a partnership that has been in place since 2019. According to Barrick, the partnership has contributed significantly to the Tanzanian economy, with the company stating that it has invested $4.79 billion in Tanzania's economy since the partnership began.
Barrick Company Relations Manager Mr Francis Uhadi stated that the company is prepared to proceed with the process promptly while respecting the rights and interests of residents affected by the project. He said those rights would be protected in accordance with Tanzanian laws and established procedures. Mr Uhadi also highlighted the company's contribution to the local economy through employment and procurement, with over 90% of production-related goods sourced from local suppliers and Tanzanians accounting for 96% of the company's workforce.
For residents directly affected by the project, the immediate concern remains the valuation of their individual properties and the compensation process that follows. The progress of the valuation exercise will determine the basis for compensation for properties within the area required for the TSF. With the involvement of government valuation officials, local authorities, and other oversight stakeholders, authorities are seeking to establish confidence in the assessment process and ensure that residents have an opportunity to participate.
Key points
- The valuation exercise for the North Mara Gold Mine's new Tailings Storage Facility has assessed over 350 residents' properties so far.
- The exercise aims to ensure transparency, participation, and fairness in the valuation process.
- The proposed TSF is expected to support the mine's continued operation during its extended period from 2030 to 2041.
