Tanzania: Buckreef Gold Mine Proudly Implementing In Practice Local Content Policy

By Prosper Makene, Geita

As the government pushes for greater local participation in the mining sector, Buckreef Gold Company (BGC) is proudly implementing in practice its commitment to local content which goes beyond mere compliance, as evidenced by its active pursuit of opportunities to work with local suppliers, contractors, and service providers.

Speaking at the ongoing of Seventh Geita International Mining Technology Expo that is ongoing at the EPZA Bomba Mbili grounds, BGC General Manager, Engineer Gaston Mjwauzi said that their firm which is a joint venture between the government of Tanzania, with at least 45 percent share through STAMICO and the Canada- based TRX Company with 55 percent share, has demonstrated high maturity in complying with the set local content obligations, as stipulated under Section 102 of the Mining Act Cap 123 and the Mining (Local Content) Regulations, 2018 as amended in 2019.

"We have been able to effectively implement all the instructions stated in the local content law as specified under Article 102 of the Mining Law Chapter 123 and Mining Regulations (Local Content), 2018 as amended in 2019," he said.

He added: "We are proud to inform the public that at least 100 percent of our employees are Tanzanians, and we are at the forefront of working equally with local companies."

He also said that the Buckreef Gold Mining Company is now eying to heighten the Company's contribution to Tanzania's state coffer.

Commenced its gold extraction mission some few years back at Mnekezi Village in the Lwamgasa area in the Geita Region with a single plant with a gold processing capacity of 15 tons per hour, the Company has grown-up big to the tune of processing over 100 tons as of this year.

Mjwauzi pointed out that the Company is envisioning registering further impressive growth just in the near future.

"We're proud to inform the public that, at least 100 percent of our staff are Tanzanians, and we're at the forefront in operating in sync with the locally based like-minded companies," he said.

Eng Mjwauzi detailed that the Company, BGC, works with FEMA, the local Company which deals with mining extractions, (owned by the Tanzanians by100 percent), as well as ESAP Company on the side of drilling and blasting, owned by locals by 100 percent.

 He observed that local content obligations in the section were of paramount importance, especially in helping to minimize multiplier effects, he added:" Currently most of the Tanzanians have acquired the necessary skills and expertise to handle the mining activities professionally ever than before,"

 "We're running out operations while embracing a spirit of creating and maintaining a mutual relationship with the local communities surrounding our mining site, the vision being to ensure the fetched profits remain in the country to support economic growth," he insisted.

Speaking on the course of its operations, the General Manager said that the Company was also working to reflect the recommended international and national standards as well as the set environmental and workers' safety regulations and standards.

On the side of Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR), he underscored that the Company was seriously concentrating on supporting the health, education and water sectors, ensuring for availability and affordability of vital social services with the local communities dwelling near the Company's mining site.

" Annually, we're normally set aside between 420m/- and 450m/- for supporting the said sectors," he informed.

With the comfortable budget, he said the Company has so far managed to construct several health centres, classrooms, and water wells in diverse areas within local communities.

"And our income has kept on skyrocketing, generating reasonable income to the tune of injecting lucrative taxes to the state coffer," he assured.

He said the Company started operations with only 50 staff, but today it has employed over 700 workers, a vital trend which unlocked more employment opportunities for the Tanzanians and thus, improved their livelihoods.

The General Manager vowed that the Company will grow further and stronger in the next five years, saying plans are afoot to recruit more indigenous staff, as well as increase profits and the government's statutory contributions.

He hailed the government for setting good policies for the economic growth of the sector.

On her part, the Company's Human Resources and Sustainability Manager, Ms Melda Msuya, said the company has successfully managed to increase the number of female workers, from three when started to currently 25.

She said the company is recruiting its staff while reflecting the Gender- Balance Agenda, based on the needed professional merits and delivery ability.

Hailed President Samia Suluhu Hassan for setting an enabling environment to allow women to partake effectively in the strong masculinity sector,

As there is good security for the women to work and perform brilliantly, she urged the women community in the country to turn out in multitude and participate in the sector.

Buckreef Gold Company Ltd; Buckreef Gold Mining Company is a Joint Venture Company formed between TANZAM 2000 Ltd and State Mining Corporation(STAMICO) with an operation centre at Mnekezi Village in the Lwamgasa area in Geita Region.