North Mara Gold Mine
A major gold producer in Tanzania's Lake Victoria Goldfield, combining open-pit and underground operations.
North Mara is a large gold mine in northwestern Tanzania, operated by Barrick Gold through its subsidiary Tanzania Gold Ltd. The mine comprises the Gokona underground operation and the Nyabirama open pit. Production commenced in 2002, and the mine has been a consistent producer of over 250,000 ounces of gold per year. In 2023, North Mara produced approximately 278,000 ounces. The Tanzanian government holds a 16% free-carried interest in the operation through its framework agreement with Barrick.
- 01Sustain gold production above 250,000 ounces per year
- 02Extend the Gokona underground mine life through depth extensions
- 03Optimize the Nyabirama open pit for remaining oxide and fresh ore
- 04Implement the Barrick-Tanzania partnership framework for shared economic benefit
- 05Maintain strong community relations and social investment programs
- 06Achieve environmental excellence in a sensitive lakeside ecosystem
2002 · completed
Production Start
North Mara commenced gold production from the open-pit operations under Placer Dome.
2006 · completed
Barrick Acquisition
Barrick Gold acquired Placer Dome and took ownership of North Mara.
2014 · completed
Underground Development
The Gokona underground mine was developed to access high-grade ore below the open pit.
2019 · completed
Tanzania Framework Agreement
Barrick signed a landmark framework agreement with the Tanzanian government resolving longstanding disputes.
2023 · completed
Steady Production
North Mara produced approximately 278,000 ounces of gold at competitive costs.
2025 · in progress
Underground Extension
Ongoing development of deeper levels at Gokona to extend mine life beyond 2030.
Mineral Resource
Gold Reserves
Proven and probable reserves of approximately 3.2 million ounces of gold as of year-end 2023.
Processing Plant
CIL Processing Plant
A processing plant with approximately 8,000 tpd capacity using crushing, milling, gravity, and CIL circuits.
Mining Infrastructure
Gokona Underground Mine
A high-grade underground mine producing the majority of North Mara's ore feed.
Mining Infrastructure
Nyabirama Open Pit
An open-pit operation providing supplementary ore feed to the processing plant.
- Sublevel open stoping underground mining at Gokona
- Conventional open-pit mining at Nyabirama
- Carbon-in-leach (CIL) gold processing
- Gravity gold recovery circuit
- Cyanide detoxification and water treatment
- Paste backfill for underground voids
What it means for the community
North Mara directly employs over 2,500 workers, with the vast majority being Tanzanian nationals. Under the 2019 framework agreement, the Tanzanian government receives a 16% free-carried interest, enhanced royalties, and a share of economic benefits. The mine has invested over $50 million in community development programs including healthcare, education, water supply, and agricultural support in the Mara Region.
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- Barrick Gold (84%)
- Government of Tanzania (16%)
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