Canaco Tanzania Limited shared its experience in exploration activities and CSRE programs with Kenya and other EA Countries

Canaco Tanzania Limited which owns the Magambazi Gold Project in Handeni, Tanga, was one of the companies from Tanzania which shared its experience with Kenyans, prospective investors and delegates from other EA Countries in regard to exploration and Corporate Social Responsibility and Empowerment Programs (CSRE). 

Canaco’s CSRE programs are rooted through its policies as part of their strategy to work together with the community in advancing their gold exploration project. In August this year Canaco scooped the first ever Presidential Award on Corporate Social Responsibility and Empowerment 2013 in the category of Mineral, Oil and Gas Exploration.

Speaking from the podium to a very interactive forum of over 200 delegates drawn from the entire East African region including South Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Sudan as well as Uganda and the host country on discussing the ways of harnessing the potential of mining investment in the region, the President of Canaco Tanzania Limited Mr Denis Dillip said.

"Tanzania has faced many challenges in developing the mining sector yet some challenges still exist” He said, it is important that our neighbours Kenya and other countries in East Africa recognise the importance of bringing the communities and investors together . The gaps of mistrust and dissatisfaction within the community can only be closed if investors establish a link with the communities surrounding their areas of operation. Mr Denis reiterated that efforts by the investor can be recognised through certain initiatives including awards similar to one which was recently established by HE, President Jakaya Kikwete in Tanzania.

Speaking to the writer and other delegates during the networking lunch, the Director and Chairman of CANACO Tanzania Mr William Haji added that as part of their policy to work with the local community, their company recognised and entered agreement with 34 small scale miners with valid Primary Mining License (not unlicensed miners who in Kenya are called Zururas) to participate in 2% share of the Net Smelter Revenue together with a lump sum amount paid to them during exploration stage. This was aimed at allowing local community to participate in the operation, and thus strengthening security, relationship and ultimately improving their lives. “Peaceful and stable environment is paramount towards investing in any kind of business, thanks to the Government and the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, in particular, for ensuring that such environment persists” he concluded.

The conference is a follow up to last year's successful event in Nairobi which saw miners, financiers and their advisors from Africa hold in-depth mining dialogues on diverse issues and propose solutions to the many challenges facing the mining industry today. The MBI Conference has been organized by The Kenya Chamber of Mines (KCM) in collaboration with the new Ministry of Mining.

The conference which was graced by Hon. Najib Balala Cabinet Secretary for Mining was also attended by Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Energy and Minerals Hon. Steven Masele who shared Tanzania’s advanced experience in mining industry and what Kenyans should consider in preparation of their new Mining Policy and Mining Act. Others were; Minister for Environment and Natural Reources (Kenya), Minister for Natural Resources in Charge of Mining (Rwanda) Hon. Evode Imena, Ethiopia’s Minister for Mines and Energy Hon. Sinknesh Ejigu, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Mining (Kenya), Members of Parliament, High Commissioner of Australia HE Geoff Tooth; High Commissioner of Canada HE David Angell among others.