Barrick and Twiga Minerals launch helicopter surveys to boost Tanzania gold exploration

Speaking at the launch of the helicopter survey in the northern Tanzanian region of Shinyanga, the Minister of Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, said this initiative was crucial for strengthening Tanzania’s mining sector and opening avenues for research using more advanced technologies. Barrick Gold said it has injected more than $4 billion into the Tanzanian economy since establishing the Twiga joint venture (JV) with the government in 2019. The minister emphasised that investment in modern technology was a key pillar in implementing the national minerals policy, which aims to improve mineral resource exploration, increase the sector’s contribution to the national economy and ensure that mining operations are carried out more efficiently.

“This is a major step for Barrick, in collaboration with the government-owned Twiga Minerals, to conduct more scientific research aimed at expanding the scope of new exploration areas and investment in the country’s mining sector,” Mavunde added. He further described the initiative as historic for airborne surveys, noting that mineral exploration is a science that requires substantial investment. Barrick is the largest miner in Tanzania with four major gold mines across the Lake zone of Tanzania.

“Through the Minerals Vision 2030: Minerals are Life and Wealth, the government has directed us to ensure we expand deep mineral exploration through investments from both government and the private sector,” he stated. Barrick, he said, has made significant investments in research, and following the launch of the helicopter, its surveys will cover areas in Nzega, Igunga, Msalala and Nyanghwale in the Shinyanga Region. “I commend Barrick for continuing to invest in research because in today’s world, exploration cannot be avoided in mineral prospecting activities,” said Mavunde.

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Barrick intends to conduct high-resolution airborne geophysical surveys, which improve the accuracy of subsurface rock data, reduce environmental impact and enhance the efficiency of mineral exploration operations. Ngido noted that the launch reflects Barrick’s commitment to continued investment in Tanzania and the identification of potential sites starting from large-scale mines to contribute long-term to national development.

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