THE government, in partnership with Barrick Gold Corporation, has formally licensed about 2,000 small scale miners in Nyamongo, Tarime District—marking a historic milestone in efforts to formalize and empower the artisanal mining sector.

The landmark event took place over the weekend in Mara Region, where 48 groups of youth operating around the North Mara Gold Mine received official licenses to conduct legal mining activities. 

The initiative is expected to improve livelihoods and increase local contribution to the national economy.

Speaking at the licensing ceremony, Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde described the move as the biggest step in Tanzania’s mining investment history.

“This exercise was carefully undertaken with full stakeholder engagement, and we are committed to expanding it across the country to ensure small scale miners are recognized, protected, and economically empowered,” he said.

Meanwhile, Barrick North Mara Gold Mine has disbursed 1.49 billion shillings in loyalty payments to five surrounding villages—the first quarterly installment for 2025. The funds were officially handed over by Minister Mavunde during the same event in Nyamongo.

The minister emphasized that the loyalty payments are a demonstration of responsible mining and corporate commitment to community development, calling on village leaders to ensure the funds are used transparently and effectively to meet local needs.

Mavunde explained that the licensing initiative is part of the Ministry’s flagship programme Mining for a Brighter Tomorrow (MBT), which aims to transform lives through organized and sustainable small scale mining. He also revealed that international development partners, including the World Bank, have shown interest in supporting the rollout.

He commended Barrick for its strong cooperation with the government, which he said made the licensing exercise possible.

“I congratulate Barrick North Mara and the entire Barrick team. We held productive discussions and agreed on a clear roadmap. Now, our focus must be on delivering results that truly uplift the youth of Nyamongo,” he said.

North Mara Gold Mine Manager, Apolinary Lyambiko, expressed gratitude to the government—particularly President Samia Suluhu Hassan—for facilitating the transition that enabled the issuance of licenses.

“We are proud to witness this milestone. Legal mining under proper regulations will promote long-term stability and benefit both the miners and the nation,” he said.

Also present at the event were Mara Region CCM Chairman Patrick Chandi, Mara Regional Commissioner Colonel Evance Mtambi, and Tarime Rural MP Mwita Waitara. All hailed the move and urged small scale miners to remain united and disciplined to sustain the benefits of legal mining.

Federation of Miners Associations of Tanzania (FEMATA) President John Bina pledged the association’s support, urging financial institutions to offer loans and credit facilities to the newly licensed miners.

Among the many jubilant youth was Deborah Daniel Ryoba, who proudly held up her group’s license and voiced her gratitude.

“Mining is always profitable, and we now have every reason to work harder. We sincerely thank the government and Barrick for making this possible,” she said.