In line with its policy of leveraging its supply chain and procurement to maximise local economic development, Barrick Gold Corporation has appointed Nguvu Moja Security Services, a 100% Tanzanian-owned and managed company, to replace an international security firm at its Tanzanian gold mines.
Barrick Gold’s North Mara mine in Tanzania. Image credit: Barrick Gold
Already active at North Mara, NMSS will also be fully deployed at the Bulyanhulu and Buzwagi mines by the second week of September, taking the total number of Tanzanian security personnel working at the mines and the administration office in Dar es Salaam to 462.
Barrick’s chief operating officer for Africa and the Middle East, Willem Jacobs, says NMSS employees have been fully trained in the basic legal principles regarding security and the legal framework they work in, the conduct of security personnel, the effective use of their equipment and, importantly, International Security and Human Rights Principles and the Voluntary Principals on Security and Human Rights. Their drivers have also undergone advanced training.
“Our supply chain is one of the most direct ways that our operations can improve and create economic opportunities for members of our host communities. This in turn supports our licence to operate while creating effective and stable supply chains close to our mines,” Jacobs said.
In 2019, Barrick procured more than USD4.4-billion of goods and services from suppliers based in its host countries.