Barrick works together with host governments to manage the resettlement of people that may be affected by our planned operations in a manner consistent with local laws and international best practice. Engagement of affected communities is the cornerstone of Barrick’s commitment and the key to successful resettlement programs. These programs include comprehensive early stage planning which addresses both physical and economic displacement issues, conducting impact assessments in the affected and host communities, and providing full, fair and timely compensation for all assets.
During 2006, two of our development projects – Buzwagi in Tanzania and Pueblo Viejo in the Dominican Republic – prepared comprehensive Resettlement Action Plans (RAP) to ensure that resettlement is conducted according to international standards and that affected people in these regions are treated fairly and compensated quickly. Community development and livelihood enhancement programs form a core component of the Plans, in order to ensure those impacted are no worse off, and preferably have an improved quality of life after resettlement. Both sites have developed their RAPs in collaboration with formal, local, multi-stakeholder Working Groups, which include local government and community representatives.
“I have not seen a relocation project as successful as this… it surpasses our practice of compensation and relocation and it sets a new benchmark.” - Tanzania’s President Kikwete
The comprehensive resettlement program at the Buzwagi development project was initiated in 2007 and covered approximately two-hundred households. This resettlement has included upgraded family dwellings (designed in consultation with the community), most of which have been constructed within the boundaries of the original villages. Two schools have been upgraded and over fifty community water wells have been deepened and improved. Home and other construction projects draw heavily on the use of local labor and provide a substantial source of income for the local population in an area of very high unemployment.