IN a strategic move to ensure a positive legacy post-mine closure, Barrick Gold Corporation has inaugurated its state-of-the-art training academy at the old Buzwagi mine. This initiative is part of Barrick’s commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment beyond the lifespan of its mining operations.
The newly unveiled Barrick Academy is tailored to provide comprehensive training programmes aimed at nurturing frontline managers. These programmes are meticulously designed to foster personal growth and leadership development, equipping participants with the necessary skills to enhance team management and performance.
Over the next 24 months, the Barrick Academy plans to train more than 2,000 foremen, supervisors, and superintendents from the Africa and Middle East region. Looking ahead, the academy aims to expand its curriculum to include contractors and cover a broader spectrum of disciplines, including financial leadership, advanced computer literacy, and safety courses.
The inauguration of the Barrick Academy follows another significant milestone earlier this year—the construction of an airport terminal at Buzwagi’s Kahama airstrip. This development has paved the way for a scheduled airline service capable of accommodating over 200 passengers simultaneously. The establishment of the airport terminal is poised to catalyse economic growth in the region, unlocking new opportunities for trade and investment.
According to Sebastiaan Bock, Barrick’s chief operating officer for the Africa and Middle East region, these initiatives are part of Barrick’s broader vision to transform Buzwagi into a Special Economic Zone (SEZ). A feasibility study conducted in 2021 highlighted the SEZ’s potential to replace the mine as the region’s economic driver, projecting the creation of 3,000 jobs annually, substantial revenue from service levies for the local municipality, and significant employment tax contributions.
The government of Tanzania has endorsed the conversion of the Buzwagi mine site into a SEZ, signalling its commitment to fostering sustainable economic development in the region. Already, several investors have initiated the process of establishing manufacturing industries within the SEZ, heralding a new era of economic diversification and growth.
Commenting on the transformation of Buzwagi, Sebastiaan Bock emphasised Barrick’s holistic approach to mine closure and community development. ‘How we close our mines is just as important to us as how we build and operate them,’ stated Bock. He reiterated Barrick’s commitment to ensuring that Buzwagi evolves into a productive asset that continues to benefit the community for generations to come.
The inauguration of the Barrick Academy marks a significant step towards Barrick’s goal of fostering sustainable development and leaving a lasting positive impact on the communities where it operates. As the academy begins its operations, it is poised to become a beacon of knowledge and skill development, empowering individuals and driving economic prosperity in the region.