Barrick Mining Corporation is a major global gold (and copper) mining company.


In Tanzania, Barrick operates through a joint venture with the government called Twiga Minerals. Under this, it runs several gold mines, including North Mara and Bulyanhulu.


Key Mines and Operations

North Mara

Located in the Tarime district, Mara Region, northwest Tanzania. ~100 km east of Lake Victoria.


Combines open pit (Nyabirama deposit) and underground mining (Gokona deposit).


Plants process about 8,000 tonnes of ore per day.


Bulyanhulu

In Kahama District, Shinyanga Region, ~55 km south of Lake Victoria; ~150 km southwest of Mwanza.


A narrow-vein underground mine. Also has silver and copper in sulphide form.


Has been operating since 2001.


Economics, Local Impact & Investment

Since forming Twiga (Barrick + Tanzanian government) in 2019, Barrick has injected about US$4.79 billion into Tanzania’s economy. That includes US$558 million in just the first half of 2025.


The majority of procurement is local: over 90% with Tanzanian suppliers, many indigenous companies. Also, ~96% of the workforce is Tanzanian; around half are from communities around the mines.
Barrick Mining Corporation

Barrick is also investing in infrastructure beyond mining: for example, a $30 million “Future Forward” education programme (Barrick + government) to expand classrooms for many thousands of pupils.


Challenges & Controversies

Security / Human Rights Issues:
There have been reports and investigations concerning violence involving security forces at the North Mara mine. For example, watchdogs say there have been deaths and injuries among local (Kurya) villagers linked to mine security operations.
RAID

Barrick, however, maintains that some of the allegations are unfounded or misdirected. For instance, in 2024 it responded to claims via UN bodies saying many allegations lacked evidence and that security contractors are unarmed, etc.
Reuters

Electricity / Power Capacity:
Barrick is expanding power generation at North Mara (adding ~13.8 MW) to meet rising demand.
Africa Energy

Strategic & Sustainability Aspects

The Twiga JV agreement (50-50 split economically) is part of a trend to have greater local / state participation in mining benefits.

Barrick emphasizes responsible mining, community development, supply chain localisation, direct employment, etc., as components of their operations in Tanzania