President Samia says Africa has greater chance to stimulate growth of global economy

By Lake Zone Watch Writer

Barrick Mining Corporation has donated 25bn/- to the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) to support, among other things, research activities in mining, and sponsorship of personnel engaged in the the sector.

The international mining company, which together with the Tanzania government operate a joint firm, Twiga Minerals, have signed an agreement with the UDSM on capaciity building for students and academicians, and to support various researches on the growth of the mining industry.

Speaking after the signing of the agreement, held together with the inauguration of celebrations to mark the 11th research and innovation week, the Barrick Resident Country Manager, Dr Melkiory Ngido, said the 10-year agreement is aimed at promoting efficiency in the growth of the mining sector through research, increase of experts, innovation, and building the capacity of undergraduate students, holders of master's degrees and doctorates.

"Since 2020 when Twiga Minerals was established, Barrick has been collaborating with the government in the development of the mining industry to ensure it is productive and sustainable," Dr Ngido explained.

He said as the life span of its mines has increased to 25 years, Barrick would continue to work hand-in-hand with the government to ensure that the mining industry becomes a catalyst to economic growth.

He also said that the agreement aims at increasing understanding and expertise in mining engineering, mineral processing, trade and governing laws and the country''s geology.

Barrick has donated the funds after seeing the importance of investment in research, innovation and human resource development in the rapidly growing mining industry, Dr Ngido said.

Under the agreement, 150 experts will conduct research in various areas of mining and come up with recommendations on policy formulation, regulations and various laws aimed at boosting the mining sector.

An estimated 500 students, according to Dr Ngido, will benefit from Barrick's sponsorship programme.

Minister of Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, who was guest of honour at the inauguration of the 11th research and innovation celebrations week, said UDSM has a major role to play towards the growth of the mining sector in terms of capacity building and knowledge acquisition.

He said currently mining is a fast-growing sector contributing 56 per cent of foreign currency (2.1trn/) and 15 per cent of internal revenue.

Mining also contributes 10.1 per cent or 1.3trn/- to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the minister said.

On his part, UDSM Vice-Chancellor, Prof William Anangisye, said investment in research was crucial for solving impediments to national development.

He said his higher-learning institution has a critical role to play in knowledge acquisition towards the growth of the mining industry.