Tanzania Renews North Mara Mining Licenses for 15 Years

The Government of Tanzania has renewed the Special Mining Licenses for Barrick’s North Mara Gold Mine for a further 15 years.

Barrick said the renewal will allow continued investment in the mine, its employees and surrounding communities.

The company said it has contributed approximately US$5.3 billion to Tanzania’s economy since 2019, including US$1.2 billion in 2025 through taxes, royalties, salaries, dividends and local procurement.

More than 90% of Barrick’s procurement is sourced from companies registered in Tanzania, most of them indigenous businesses, according to the company.

In 2025, the Government of Tanzania recognized Barrick as the country’s top dividend payer and highest contributor to government revenue.

“This is an important milestone for North Mara and for our partnership with Tanzania,” said Seb Bock, Chief Executive Officer of Barrick’s Rest of World business.

“Since 2019, we’ve worked with the Government of Tanzania and local communities to build a stronger partnership and to create more opportunities for all Tanzanians.”

“At the core of our business is building partnerships of real depth and trust with all stakeholders, and this renewal reflects that commitment,” Bock said.

Tarime District Commissioner Major Edward Gowele said relations at North Mara had strengthened since Barrick took over.

“Residents now really view the mine as a community partner,” he said.

The North Mara Gold Mine

North Mara is in Tarime District, Mara Region, in north-western Tanzania, about 100 kilometres east of Lake Victoria and 20 kilometres south of the Kenyan border.

The mine began commercial production in 2002.

In September 2019, after completing its buyout of Acacia Mining’s minority shareholders, Barrick took operational control of North Mara.

That year, Barrick and the Government of Tanzania established Twiga Minerals to operate North Mara and Bulyanhulu.

The Government holds a 16% interest in each mine, while the partners share the economic benefits equally.

North Mara combines the Nyabirama open pit with the Gokona underground mine.

Its processing plant has capacity for an average of 8,000 tonnes of ore per day.

Barrick reported 3.2 million ounces of gold reserves for its 84% share of North Mara as of December 31, 2025.

Barrick reported a Tanzania workforce of approximately 3,000 people, 96% of them Tanzanian nationals, with 47% drawn from communities surrounding its mines.

Source: Barrick