Speaking at the mine to local media, Bristow said the production ramp-up at Bulyanhulu was gaining momentum with plant performance ahead of expectations and recoveries at a consistent rate of 93%. An 11% increase in tonnage was driven partly by an investment in three new fully automated loaders and three additional drills. Successful conversion and optimization of mineral resources in the upper portion of
Still at Bulyanhulu, a world-class analytical photon assay laboratory - the first of its kind in
At North Mara the commissioning of a brine treatment plant is scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year as part of Barrick's successful drive to eliminate the mine's historical environmental issues. This has also included a new water treatment plant and an upgraded tailings facility. During the past quarter the mine's Gokona underground operation was connected to the national power grid, which will cut its diesel consumption by 43%. North Mara's two open pits have been redesigned and integrated with the underground mine.
Bristow said Barrick was continuing to improve the quality of life in the villages around North Mara, in partnership with the mine's community development committee. Key projects include construction of a tarmac road, classrooms, paediatric wards and laboratories, and support for agribusiness.
'Since Barrick launched a business development program in
'It's also worth noting that thanks to our policy of employing and upskilling host country nationals, 97% of our workforce here are Tanzanians, 40% of whom were hired from the mines' surrounding communities. Recently, for example, Bulyanhulu recruited 19 mining and process plant trainees through their village councils.'
In partnership with the Tanzanian health authorities, Barrick is ensuring the continued roll-out of Covid-19 vaccines. So far, 12% of its workforce in the country have been vaccinated.
Since Barrick formed its pioneering partnership with the government through the Twiga partnership in 2020, it has paid
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Certain information contained or incorporated by reference in this press release, including any information as to our strategy, projects, plans, or future financial or operating performance, constitutes 'forward-looking statements'. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. The words 'on track', 'set to meet', 'expect', 'unlock', 'scheduled', 'will', 'continue', 'ensure' and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements including, without limitation, with respect to: production guidance and performance at North Mara and Bulyanhulu and the potential for those mines to replace depleted reserves; expected additions to reserves from the successful conversion and optimization of mineral resources at Bulyanhulu; anticipated benefits from Bulyanhulu's new photon assay laboratory and operational improvements at North Mara; planned investments and construction in the local community and public health initiatives to support the roll-out of Covid-19 vaccines and contributions to the local economy, including local content programs and spending.
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