DAR ES SALAAM: BARRICK Mining Corporation has committed to invest 10 million US dollars (over 26bn/-) in a 10-year partnership with the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) aimed at developing skilled workers, supporting research and strengthening innovation in Tanzaniaโs mining sector.
The agreement, signed during UDSMโs 11th Research and Innovation Week, will provide scholarships for more than 500 students and research grants for over 150 academics while supporting new programmes in mining engineering, mineral processing, mining law and business.
The initiative comes as Barrick, which operates the Bulyanhulu and North Mara gold mines through Twiga Minerals, prepares for an extended operating horizon after securing 25-year life extensions for both mines.
โWith our mines now set to operate for another 25 years, we need skilled human capital to match the sectorโs rapid growth,โ Barrick Tanzania Country Manager Dr Melkiory Ngido said.
He said the investment seeks to address growing demand for qualified professionals, generate new knowledge and improve access to modern and environmentally friendly mining technologies.
โSince the establishment of Twiga Minerals in 2020, Barrick has been working closely with the government to develop the mining sector so that it can contribute to sustainable development and prosperity for our country,โ Dr Ngido said.
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The programme is also expected to support research that informs mining policies, regulations and legislation, with UDSM contributing expertise to promote broader economic benefits from the sector.
Minerals Minister Anthony Mavunde welcomed the investment, saying research remains critical to unlocking the countryโs mineral potential.
According to Mr Mavunde, mining accounts for 56 per cent of Tanzaniaโs foreign exchange earnings and contributed 2.1tri/- to domestic revenue. The sectorโs contribution to gross domestic product reached 10.1 per cent by June 2026.
He said Tanzania has mapped about 945,000 square kilometres for minerals, equivalent to roughly 97 per cent of the countryโs 233 million acres.
โIf we complete a detailed survey of all our land, we take a major step toward increasing its value and improving Tanzaniansโ lives,โ he said.