Dar es Salaam. The minister for Minerals, Mr Anthony Mavunde, has convened a meeting to deliberate on the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects being carried out by Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML) in the mineral-rich Geita Region.
The meeting, held in Dodoma, brought together officials from the ministry of Minerals, the Mining Commission, leaders from Geita Region, Members of Parliament from Geita, and representatives of GGML.
The key objective was to forge consensus on challenges surrounding the implementation of CSR projects and to chart a more effective course to ensure that the people of Geita benefit meaningfully from the region’s mineral wealth.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr Mavunde underscored the importance of translating the presence of the mining operation into tangible development outcomes for local communities.
“I convened this meeting to find better ways of implementing CSR projects, address existing challenges, and ensure that Geita residents derive actual benefits from the minerals extracted in their areas,” said Mr Mavunde.
He added that the completion of previous CSR projects, covering the period from 2018 to 2021, was essential to pave the way for the initiation of new and more impactful projects.
Mr Mavunde directed GGML to meet with the executive directors of Geita Town Council and Geita District Council within three days, with the aim of preparing and submitting a comprehensive report on the status of past CSR projects.
For his part, the vice president of AngloGold Ashanti, Mr Simon Shayo, said GGML would continue collaborating closely with the regional authorities to ensure the local population benefits from CSR initiatives.
He noted that a total of Sh21 billion has been allocated to support these initiatives, which are expected to bring about significant development outcomes in Geita Region.
Geita Regional Commissioner, Mr Martin Shigella, reiterated the importance of timely implementation of agreed-upon projects and called for stronger cooperation between the mining company and the regional leadership for the benefit of local residents.
Meanwhile, Geita Region’s MPs, Mr Constantine Kanyasu, Mr Joseph Kasheku Msukuma, and Mr Tumaini Magesa urged GGML to complete CSR projects on time and ensure that the quality of implementation reflects the amount of resources invested, enabling residents to clearly see the fruits of the mine’s presence in the region.
Currently, GGML contributes approximately Sh9.2 billion annually towards CSR initiatives in Geita Region.
