AFRICA Barrick Gold (ABG) has no 'social' licence to operate
North Mara Gold Mine, Energy and Minerals Parliamentary Committee Chairman,
January Makamba declared here on Wednesday citing endless conflicts between the
Canadian investor and surrounding communities.
"You are not liked here. You may have a legal licence
to operate this mine but you don't have a social licence to operate it,"
Mr Makamba told the North Mara Gold Mine's top management shortly after meeting
local leaders and artisanal miners from the villages located near the mine.
He challenged the mine to find lasting solutions on issues
that have contributed to worsen its relationship with the surrounding
villagers.
This was the first time for the Energy and Minerals
Parliamentary Committee members to visit the troubled mine after the 2010
general elections.
North Mara Mine General Manager, Mr Basie Maree, said
various initiatives were now put in place to improve relationship between the
mine and surrounding villages.
"For example, we have spent 350,000 US dollars to
upgrade a hospital here and we have donated an anaesthetic machine to the
regional hospital.
"We are doing a lot of things not because we have to do
but because we want to and the villagers have welcomed the new initiatives,"
the GM told the visiting parliamentary committee.
Local leaders and villagers have hailed Mr Maree, saying
that he is the first general manager to show commitment to end conflicts
between them and the mining company.
The parliamentary committee also expressed disappointment by
absence of ABG senior staff from Dar
es Salaam
"We are very disappointed by the absence of senior
management of ABG. We are not happy and we are going to take this matter to
parliament," Mr Makamba said.
Source: Daily News
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