Gold miner Barrick Gold has hosted UK-based nongovernmental organisation (NGO) Rights and Accountability in Development (Raid) at a two-day open-door visit to its North Mara gold mine, in Tanzania.
The intention of the visit was for Raid to assess the impact Barrick has had since assuming operational control of the mine in September 2019.
Raid, represented primarily by its executive director Anneke van Woudenberg, was given a comprehensive presentation on the mine’s operations and operating environment and was able to witness the how the mine’s sustainability strategy has affected its host communities.
The NGO observed one of the community engagement meetings between North Mara, village chairpersons, ward and village executive officials of the 11 host villages, as well as their member of parliament. At this meeting, the village leadership afforded Raid the opportunity to raise any human rights issues they felt were of concern.
According to Barrick, the village leadership did not corroborate allegations that had been made by Raid and reaffirmed that there had been no previous engagement with Raid on the concerns raised.
Raid also had the opportunity to see community projects, including the mine-sponsored agribusiness which helps to support 100 youths, the potable tap water supply which will supply more than 30 000 community members, new schools and medical facilities. These projects were all funded by the mine through a community development committee, which enables the community to be part of the decision-making process.
Barrick also introduced Raid to key local authorities and held tripartite meetings, which included the regional police commander and the district commissioner.
The gold miner said it does not tolerate human rights abuses in any of its operations and that the North Mara gold mine would continue to implement its sustainability strategy. This includes engaging and working closely with more than 20 regional and national NGOs that understand the challenges in its host communities and who partner with the mine to implement socio-economic development projects.
“We encourage Raid to join these NGOs and collaborate with us on upliftment initiatives. I hope that the site visit has been informative for Raid and that they will leave Tanzania with a fresh perspective on the numerous benefits the mine brings to its host communities and its respect for the human rights of those influenced by its operations,” Barrick president and CE Mark Bristow said.