Fermeture et transition post-minière inclusives à la mine Golden Pride (Tanzanie)

This case study describes the inclusive closure and post-mining transition of the Golden Pride gold mine in Tanzania. Operated by Resolute Mining Limited from 1998 to 2013, the mine utilized Australian standards and a Participatory Rural Appraisal approach to engage communities and regulators. Key outcomes included the conversion of the open pit into a community water reservoir, the transfer of site infrastructure to the Institute of Mineral Resources for training, and the progressive restoration of Miombo forests. Despite these successes, the site continues to face challenges from illegal small-scale mining and mercury contamination as of 2022.

• The Golden Pride mine (MGP) implemented a comprehensive closure process that integrated Australian mining closure standards due to a lack of established regulatory frameworks in Tanzania at the time. The process aimed for physical and chemical stability of the site and productive land use to support community resilience, with final closure and relinquishment approved by the Tanzanian government in 2015.
• Community engagement was facilitated through a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) approach initiated in 2000, which allowed local communities to identify development needs and projects. The mine provided approximately 300,000 USD annually for community initiatives in sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and water supply. Starting in 2008, specific discussions began to prepare the community for a post-mining economy.
• The post-mining land-use plan evolved through consultation, shifting from a proposal to hand the site over to prison services to transferring the facilities to the Institute of Mineral Resources as a training center for geology and mining. Additionally, the open pit was partially backfilled and converted into a lake to serve as a year-round water reservoir for livestock and irrigation, addressing a critical community need for water during the dry season.
• Progressive rehabilitation began in the second year of operation, focusing on recreating natural Miombo forests. This early start allowed the mine to test and adapt revegetation methods, such as redesigning water drainage to prevent erosion gullies and using oxidized waste rock as a cover layer to prevent acid rock drainage. By the time of final closure, much of the site had already been rehabilitated.
• Employee transition was managed starting in 2009, three years before closure. The mine provided severance pay exceeding Tanzanian legal requirements and implemented an employee assistance program covering financial management, job search skills, and career transition strategies. Some highly skilled employees were transitioned to other Resolute Mining sites or other mining companies in Africa.
• As of mid-2022, the site faces significant challenges from illegal small-scale miners who disrupt rehabilitated waste rock piles and tailings areas. These activities create safety risks due to unstable rock and threaten water quality in the pit lake through the use of mercury for gold extraction. While some legal primary mining permits were issued, illegal incursions persist.

APA

Stevens, R., (Sinclair), J. H., & Kasege, G. (2023). Fermeture et transition post-minière inclusives à la mine Golden Pride (Tanzanie). International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2023-03/igf-case-study-golden-pride-mine-tanzania-fr.pdf

Chicago

Stevens, Rob, Jackie Hartnett (Sinclair), and Gidion Kasege. Fermeture et transition post-minière inclusives à la mine Golden Pride (Tanzanie). International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2023. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2023-03/igf-case-study-golden-pride-mine-tanzania-fr.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Stevens |first1=Rob |last2=(Sinclair) |first2=Jackie Hartnett |last3=Kasege |first3=Gidion |title=Fermeture et transition post-minière inclusives à la mine Golden Pride (Tanzanie) |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=2023 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2023-03/igf-case-study-golden-pride-mine-tanzania-fr.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{stevens2023fermeture, author = {Stevens, Rob and (Sinclair), Jackie Hartnett and Kasege, Gidion}, title = {{Fermeture et transition post-minière inclusives à la mine Golden Pride (Tanzanie)}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2023}, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2023-03/igf-case-study-golden-pride-mine-tanzania-fr.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }