A Comprehensive List of Gold Mines in Tanzania
Tanzania is one of Africa’s largest gold producers, boasting a rich mining industry with several world-class gold mines. Gold production has been a significant contributor to the country’s economy, and Tanzania is home to some of the continent’s most productive and well-established gold mines. This article provides a detailed look at the most prominent gold mines in Tanzania, their locations, production capabilities, and the companies that operate them.
The Importance of Gold Mining in Tanzania
Gold mining has been integral to Tanzania’s economy for decades. The country is the fourth-largest gold producer in Africa, behind South Africa, Ghana, and Mali. With an annual output of roughly 50 tonnes, the Tanzanian gold sector plays a crucial role in generating revenue, employment, and foreign investment.
Tanzania’s mining industry is regulated by the Ministry of Minerals, and it follows strict guidelines to ensure sustainable and ethical mining practices. Foreign and local companies operate within the country, and gold mining remains one of the primary industries driving Tanzania’s economic growth. Below is a comprehensive list of the most significant gold mines in Tanzania.
1. Geita Gold Mine
- Location: Geita Region, Northwestern Tanzania
- Operator: AngloGold Ashanti
- Production Capacity: Approximately 600,000 ounces annually
The Geita Gold Mine is Tanzania’s largest gold mine and one of the top producers in Africa. Operated by AngloGold Ashanti, a global gold mining company, this open-pit mine has been operational since 2000. The Geita Gold Mine produces around 600,000 ounces of gold per year, making it a significant contributor to the country’s economy.
Geita is located in Northwestern Tanzania, near Lake Victoria, in the Geita region. It sits on one of the richest gold belts in Tanzania and has undergone several expansions to increase production over the years. AngloGold Ashanti continues to invest in the mine, ensuring its continued contribution to Tanzania’s gold industry.
2. Bulyanhulu Gold Mine
- Location: Shinyanga Region, Northwestern Tanzania
- Operator: Barrick Gold Corporation
- Production Capacity: Approximately 330,000 ounces annually
The Bulyanhulu Gold Mine is one of Tanzania’s oldest and most prominent underground gold mines. Operated by Barrick Gold Corporation, one of the world’s largest gold producers, Bulyanhulu began commercial production in 2001. It is located in the Shinyanga Region of northwestern Tanzania and is known for its high-grade gold reserves.
Bulyanhulu is unique for its underground mining operations, which allow it to access deeper gold reserves that are not easily reachable through open-pit mining. The mine is also renowned for its substantial silver and copper production, making it a multi-resource mine.
3. North Mara Gold Mine
- Location: Mara Region, Northern Tanzania
- Operator: Barrick Gold Corporation
- Production Capacity: Approximately 270,000 ounces annually
Located in the Mara Region near Tanzania’s border with Kenya, the North Mara Gold Mine is another critical asset for Barrick Gold Corporation. It comprises multiple open-pit and underground operations. North Mara is known for producing high-grade gold, contributing around 270,000 ounces annually.
Since Barrick took over the mine’s operation, it has implemented extensive environmental and operational reforms to enhance production and ensure sustainable practices. The mine is a key part of Barrick’s African portfolio and plays a significant role in the local and national economy.
4. Buzwagi Gold Mine
- Location: Kahama District, Shinyanga Region
- Operator: Barrick Gold Corporation (formerly Acacia Mining)
- Production Capacity: Approximately 175,000 ounces annually
The Buzwagi Gold Mine, located in Kahama District of the Shinyanga Region, is an open-pit gold mine that was operated by Acacia Mining until Barrick Gold Corporation acquired full control of Acacia’s Tanzanian operations. Buzwagi was once one of Tanzania’s largest gold producers, with peak production in the mid-2010s.
Although the mine’s output has decreased over the years, Buzwagi continues to produce around 175,000 ounces of gold annually. The mine is nearing the end of its operational life, but Barrick is focused on maximizing its remaining resources through innovative mining techniques.
5. New Luika Gold Mine
- Location: Lupa Goldfields, Mbeya Region, Southwestern Tanzania
- Operator: Shanta Gold
- Production Capacity: Approximately 80,000 ounces annually
The New Luika Gold Mine is a smaller, high-grade gold mine located in the Lupa Goldfields of southwestern Tanzania. It is operated by Shanta Gold, a UK-based gold mining company. The mine began production in 2012 and has since become one of the key players in the Tanzanian gold mining sector, producing around 80,000 ounces annually.
New Luika stands out for its high-grade gold deposits and relatively low production costs, making it a profitable operation. The mine is also notable for its exploration potential, as Shanta continues to discover additional gold reserves in the area.
6. Buckreef Gold Mine
- Location: Geita Region, Northwestern Tanzania
- Operator: Tanzanian Gold Corporation
- Production Capacity: Projected to increase with ongoing development
The Buckreef Gold Mine is one of Tanzania’s emerging gold projects, located in the Geita region. Operated by Tanzanian Gold Corporation, the mine is undergoing significant development to increase its production capacity. While it is still in the expansion phase, Buckreef holds considerable potential with substantial gold reserves.
Tanzanian Gold Corporation has been working closely with the Tanzanian government to expand the Buckreef project, which is expected to play a larger role in the country’s gold production in the coming years. The project is seen as a strategic asset that could enhance Tanzania’s position as a top gold producer.
7. Golden Pride Gold Mine (Closed)
- Location: Nzega District, Tabora Region
- Operator: Resolute Mining
- Production Capacity: Over 2.2 million ounces during its operation
The Golden Pride Gold Mine was one of Tanzania’s most successful gold mines during its operation. Located in Nzega District of the Tabora Region, it was owned and operated by Resolute Mining, an Australian mining company. The mine began production in 1998 and produced over 2.2 million ounces of gold before it was officially closed in 2013.
Although the mine has ceased operations, it played a critical role in Tanzania’s mining history, setting the foundation for further exploration and development in the country’s gold sector.
8. Nyanzaga Gold Project
- Location: Mwanza Region, Northwestern Tanzania
- Operator: OreCorp Limited
- Production Capacity: In development, estimated at 213,000 ounces annually
The Nyanzaga Gold Project is a promising development in Tanzania’s gold sector. Located in the Mwanza Region, this project is being developed by OreCorp Limited, an Australian mining company. The project is still in the exploration and development phase, but it is estimated to produce around 213,000 ounces of gold annually once it becomes operational.
Nyanzaga is situated within a well-known gold belt and is expected to add significant value to Tanzania’s mining industry. The project’s development reflects the growing interest in Tanzania’s untapped mineral wealth.
9. Singida Gold Project
- Location: Singida Region, Central Tanzania
- Operator: Shanta Gold
- Production Capacity: Expected to produce 32,000 ounces annually (from 2023)
The Singida Gold Project is another promising venture by Shanta Gold. Located in the Singida Region, this project is expected to start production in 2023, with an initial output of around 32,000 ounces annually. Singida is part of Shanta’s broader expansion strategy in Tanzania, and it holds significant potential for future growth.
Tanzania’s gold mining sector is diverse and expansive, with a mix of large-scale operations, emerging projects, and smaller mines contributing to the country’s economic development. From established giants like Geita and Bulyanhulu to emerging projects like Nyanzaga and Singida, Tanzania’s gold mines provide opportunities for investors, companies, and the local economy. As the global demand for gold continues to rise, Tanzania is poised to remain a key player in the gold industry for years to come.