MARA, TANZANIA — The Tanzanian government has initiated a valuation exercise to assess properties in Matongo and Nyangoto villages, Tarime District, as part of preparations for a new Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) at the North Mara Gold Mine. The project, which requires 419 acres of land, marks a critical phase in the mine’s expansion plans, with over 350 residents already having their assets evaluated by September 15. The process, led by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, aims to ensure transparency, fairness, and community participation in land acquisition for the industrial project.
Senior Valuer Mr. Baraka Mollel, representing the Office of the Chief Valuer, emphasized the importance of adhering to established procedures during the valuation. “Every affected property must be identified, measured, and valued according to its actual worth,” he stated during a field visit to the two villages. The exercise involves collaboration with local leaders and residents, allowing direct engagement between valuation experts and communities to address concerns and ensure accountability. This approach reflects the government’s commitment to upholding property rights while advancing infrastructure development.
Tarime District Commissioner Major Edward Gowele highlighted the significance of community involvement, noting that the response from residents has been “significant and satisfactory.” He confirmed that the valuation, expected to conclude within 60 days, is a prerequisite for land acquisition. “The government, in partnership with North Mara mine, has held sensitization meetings to inform residents about the project’s scope and valuation procedures,” Gowele said. These sessions aimed to clarify the implications of land acquisition and provide a platform for public dialogue.
The valuation process is part of a broader effort to secure land for the new TSF, a facility designed to safely store mining waste. For North Mara Gold Mine, the project is vital to extending its operational lifespan from 2030 to 2041, as outlined in technical studies by Barrick, the mine’s operator. The facility will support continued mining activities, ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards. Barrick’s Company Relations Manager, Mr. Francis Uhadi, reiterated the company’s commitment to respecting residents’ rights, stating that compensation would be determined in accordance with Tanzanian laws and procedures.
The project’s economic impact is substantial. Since the 2019 partnership with Twiga Minerals, Barrick has invested $4.79 billion in Tanzania’s economy. The company also reported that 96% of its workforce in the region is Tanzanian, with over 90% of production-related goods sourced locally. However, the land acquisition for the TSF has raised concerns among residents whose properties fall within the designated area. For them, the valuation process is not merely administrative but a direct determinant of their livelihoods and compensation.
To address these concerns, the government has integrated oversight mechanisms, including the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) and human rights advocates, into the valuation process. Major Gowele noted that these measures are intended to “ensure fairness and transparency.” The involvement of multiple stakeholders, from village leaders to district authorities, underscores the sensitivity of land acquisition in communities reliant on agriculture and small-scale enterprises.
The scale of the valuation exercise has already drawn attention. With 350 properties assessed by September 15, the process is progressing toward its 60-day target. Mr. Mollel confirmed that valuation teams are working systematically to document assets, including farms, homes, and other structures, ensuring that compensation aligns with market values. “Residents have been actively engaged, and their input is critical to the accuracy of the assessments,” he said.
North Mara’s partnership with Twiga Minerals, a state-owned entity, has been a cornerstone of its operations since 2019. The mine’s continued viability hinges on projects like the TSF, which will enable it to meet regulatory requirements and sustain production. However, the project’s success also depends on maintaining trust with local communities, who have historically faced challenges related to land rights and environmental impacts.
Residents of Matongo and Nyangoto have expressed mixed reactions. While some acknowledge the economic benefits of the mine, others worry about the long-term effects of land loss. “We understand the need for development, but our homes and farms are part of our heritage,” said a local farmer, who requested anonymity. “We hope the valuation is fair and that we receive adequate compensation.”
The government has emphasized that the valuation process is not a one-time event but a multi-stage initiative. After assessments, land acquisition will proceed, followed by compensation negotiations. Mr. Uhadi of Barrick stated that the company is prepared to “proceed promptly while respecting the rights of affected residents.” This includes adhering to legal frameworks that govern land use and compensation in Tanzania.
The TSF project also has broader implications for Tanzania’s mining sector. As a key player in the country’s gold production, North Mara’s operations contribute significantly to national revenue. The new facility is expected to enhance the mine’s capacity to manage waste, reducing environmental risks and aligning with international mining standards. However, critics argue that such projects often prioritize corporate interests over community welfare, calling for stricter oversight.
Community leaders have called for continued transparency. Village Chairperson for Matongo Ward, Mr. Joseph Mwakasungu, stated, “We are committed to ensuring that the process is fair and that no one is left behind.” He urged residents to participate actively in the valuation and to voice concerns through established channels. “This is our land, and we have a right to be heard,” he added.
As the valuation nears completion, the focus remains on accuracy and fairness. The government has reiterated its stance that “the interests of affected property owners will be protected at all stages.” For residents, the process represents a delicate balance between development and preservation. For the mine, it is a necessary step toward securing its future. The outcome of the valuation will shape not only the TSF’s implementation but also the relationship between the company, the government, and the communities it impacts.
The success of the project will depend on how effectively the remaining stages of the valuation and compensation process are executed. With 419 acres required and over 350 properties already assessed, the exercise has entered a pivotal phase. The government and Barrick have pledged to uphold transparency, but the ultimate test lies in the fairness of the compensation and the long-term benefits for local communities.
For now, the valuation teams continue their work in Matongo and Nyangoto, where the stakes are high for both residents and stakeholders. The process, while complex, reflects a broader effort to reconcile industrial growth with the rights of those whose lives are directly affected. As the 60-day deadline approaches, all eyes remain on the outcome, which will determine the next steps in North Mara’s expansion and the future of the communities involved.
The valuation exercise underscores the challenges of balancing economic development with social responsibility. While the TSF is critical for North Mara’s operations, its implementation must address the concerns of those whose land is at the center of the project. The government’s emphasis on transparency and community engagement offers a framework for resolving these tensions, but the true measure of success will be the equitable treatment of affected residents.
As the process unfolds, the lessons learned from this valuation could set a precedent for future land acquisition projects in Tanzania. The involvement of multiple stakeholders, from local leaders to international standards, highlights the complexity of such endeavors. For now, the focus remains on completing the assessments accurately and ensuring that the rights of all parties are respected.
The North Mara Gold Mine’s TSF project is more than a technical endeavor; it is a test of governance, accountability, and the ability to harmonize industrial progress with community welfare. With the valuation exercise nearing its conclusion, the coming weeks will determine whether this balance can be achieved, shaping the future of both the mine and the people it affects.