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North Mara Gold Mine
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North Mara Gold Mine is located in the Tarime District of the Mara Region, near the border with Kenya. It is part of the Twiga Minerals Corporation, managed jointly by Barrick Gold and the Tanzanian government. The mine comprises both open-pit and underground operations, extracting ore from several bodies including Gokona and Nyabirama. Since commercial production began in 2002, North Mara has evolved into one of the country's most productive gold mines. Significant investments have been made recently in environmental protection and water treatment to align with international safety standards. Its geographic proximity to the Kenyan border makes it a strategically important economic player in northern Tanzania. Beyond gold production, the company is heavily involved in community education projects and healthcare support for local residents.
- Location: Tanzania
- Nearby: Tarime (20 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 22 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 22 |
| Rain mm | 90 | 72 | 149 | 145 | 89 | 38 | 25 | 50 | 61 | 80 | 145 | 145 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The North Mara Gold Mine is a large gold mine in the Tarime district, using both open-pit and underground mining. It is one of Tanzania's most significant gold producers and a major economic driver in the region.
Visiting
The mine complex is not accessible to visitors for safety reasons. From the surrounding hills, part of the open pit can be seen, giving an impression of the operation's scale.
Where to view it
A public viewpoint exists on a hill near the mine entrance, offering a panoramic view of the open pit. Travel with caution as roads in the area are frequently used by mining trucks.
Local products
The main product is gold, poured into bars and exported. Local villages offer handicrafts like wood carvings and baskets, though unrelated to the mine.
Active season
The operation runs 24/7, 365 days a year, with minimal interruptions. The drier season from June to October eases open-pit work and transport.
Nearby
Combine a visit with Tarime town centre, which has local markets for shopping. The area is also close to Serengeti National Park, handy for a safari after the mine visit.
Geography
Facts
- Commercial production at the North Mara mine commenced in 2002.
- The mine is managed under the Twiga Minerals joint venture agreement.
- It is situated approximately 100 kilometers east of Lake Victoria.
- The primary ore bodies include the Gokona and Nyabirama pits.
- The mine is located just a few kilometers from the border with Kenya.
- The operation utilizes a combination of open-pit and underground mining.
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Notable places around
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Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the North Mara Goldmine?
A highly productive gold mine in the Mara region.
Can tourists visit it?
No, access is reserved for employees and authorized personnel.
What defines the region?
Industrial gold mining and local agricultural activities.
Best time to travel?
July to September for dry and easy-to-travel weather.
Is there something nearby?
The Mara region has access to the Serengeti.
North Mara Gold Mine: where is it located?
North Mara Gold Mine is located in Tanzania.
North Mara Gold Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
North Mara Gold Mine: why is it worth visiting?
North Mara Gold Mine is located in the Tarime District of the Mara Region, near the border with Kenya.
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