protestbarrick.net is now an archive of Protest Barrick's work from 2007 until 2016.
For updates on Protest Barrick's current work, go to: https://protestbarrick.org

  Protest Barrick
Home About us Issues International Campaigns Press Actions

Journalists refused entry at Geita gold mine

by Mugini JacobDaily News Tanzania
October 27th, 2008

Geita Gold Mine (GGM) management has refused to allow 29 journalists from various media houses to visit its mine in Mwanza Region on Friday, saying proper procedures were not followed. The tour was organized by the Christian Council of Tanzania (CCT) in collaboration with the Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), but the mine�s officials refused to allow in the journalists.

�We have no any information that you are coming here,� GGM Chief Security Officer, Mr Samweli Makaranga said. Mr Makaranga said the journalists and CCT should have obtained clearance to visit the mine from the Ministry of Energy and Minerals. CCT Communications and Media Advocacy Officer Rev John Magafu dismissed claims by the mine�s officials, saying GGM authorities were informed on the visit in writing over a week ago.

�We gave them the letter on the intended visit and they acknowledged to have received it. The refusal shows there is a hidden agenda,� said Rev Magafu. Earlier, the journalists visited the villagers surrounding the mine at Nyakable, where several residents said they face water supply shortage.

They said there were also problems in education and health services, despite the existence of the largest gold mine in the country at the area. On Saturday, the journalists visited Bulyanhulu Gold Mine Limited in Kahama District where they were accorded good reception by the mine�s General Manager, Mr Greg Walker. �Our mine is open. There are no secrets here and we are trying to ensure that you have access to information on the activities of the mine,� Mr Walker said. The Bulyanhulu mine is operated by Barrick Gold Tanzania Limited.

 

Join our e-mail list