Five
villages in Tarime District, Mara Region, have received TZS 2 billion in
royalties from the North Mara Gold Mine as part of the company’s Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts.
Minister
of Minerals, Hon. Anthony Mavunde, urged the funds to be used for local
development.
"It
is crucial that these funds are invested in projects that will genuinely
improve the lives of the people in these communities," he stated during
the handover ceremony.
The
benefiting villages; Kerende, Kewanja, Nyamwaga, Nyangoto, and Genkuru have
been involved in gold mining since the North Mara Gold Mine was established.
"These
villages have a long history with the mine, and it’s only right that they see
tangible benefits from this partnership," Mavunde added.
Minister
Mavunde also directed the Mineral Commission to work with local authorities to
allocate mining areas for youths, women, and elders.
"We
want to ensure that all members of the community, especially the youths and
women, have opportunities to participate in the mining sector," he said.
In
addition, Mavunde announced plans to collaborate with the Ministry of
Agriculture to drill water wells in Nyamongo as a move to enhance agricultural
activities and ensure a reliable water supply.
Apolinary
Lyambiko, General Manager of North Mara Gold Mine, reported that TZS 1.1
billion was paid to the five villages in the second quarter of 2024.
"This
brings our total payments to TZS 2.2 billion for the first half of the
year," Lyambiko explained.
Since
2020, North Mara Gold Mine has contributed TZS 69 billion to the government
through various taxes and royalties.
"Our
commitment to supporting the local and national economy remains strong,"
Lyambiko affirmed.
Acting
Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Energy and Minerals, Hon. Masache
Kasaka, praised the government's transparent investment policies.
"President
Samia Suluhu Hassan has created a conducive environment for mining investments,
and we are seeing the results," he commented.
Tarime
District Commissioner, Major Edward Gowele, also praised the Ministry of
Minerals for involving local communities in national projects.
"The
ministry’s approach ensures that the benefits of our natural resources are
shared with the people," he said, promising to assist in resolving any
conflicts in the district.
Lemi Mkapa, speaking on behalf of the Member of Parliament for Tarime Rural, expressed gratitude to the government for being transparency in royalty payments.
