Bulyanhulu safety efforts win praise

SHINYANGA: THE Parliamentary Standing Committee on Welfare and Social Development has commended Barrick Bulyanhulu Gold Mine for complying with workplace health and safety regulations and protecting surrounding communities.

The committee made the remarks this week during a working visit to the mine in Kakola, Kahama District, where members assessed compliance with labour, health and safety, environmental and community welfare requirements.

The committee also praised the mine for investing in modern technologies and automated systems to reduce employees’ exposure to hazardous conditions, particularly in underground operations.

Speaking after the visit, committee chairperson, Hawa Chakoma, said members were satisfied with the mine’s implementation of labour laws and workplace health and safety programmes.

“We’re pleased with the patriotic manner in which you are taking a leading role in ensuring general safety at the workplace, to the extent of being recognised by OSHA through various awards,” she said.

Ms Chakoma said the mine had demonstrated that employee and community health and safety were among its key priorities.

She also commended its health-related Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects and implementation of local content regulations, which had created opportunities for Tanzanians to participate in mining operations.

However, she urged the mine to ensure all employees and contractors received adequate workplace health and safety training.

She noted that, according to the mine’s presentation, there had been no death or serious accident since the beginning of the year, urging continued investment in safety training.

ALSO READ: TZ pledges stronger efforts on port efficiency, safety

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Labour, Employment and Relations, Dr Evaline Munisi, described Bulyanhulu as a leader in implementing labour laws, employment standards and workplace safety requirements.

She said the mine had met Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) standards during inspections earlier this year, subsequently receiving certification and seven OSHA awards.

Dr Munisi said ministry and OSHA inspections during 2025/26 included 871 inspections in Shinyanga Region, while 7,969 workers underwent health examinations. A total of 102 compliant employers were issued certification licences.

Earlier, Barrick Bulyanhulu Community Relations and Environmental Manager, Agapiti Paul, said modern machinery and automated technologies were being used in high-risk underground activities, including rock breaking, blasting and excavation.

“One of Barrick Bulyanhulu’s policies is to prioritise the health of its employees, and we have a motto that says: ‘You come to work and return home safe,’” he said.

He said the mine had also supported Bugarama Health Centre and implemented the “Zero Malaria” campaign through mosquito spraying and distribution of mosquito nets. The mine also implements CSR projects in health, roads, education, agriculture and youth empowerment in 16 surrounding villages.

The post Bulyanhulu safety efforts win praise appeared first on Daily News.