Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML) recently marked a historic milestone—25 years of responsible mining in Tanzania with a memorable gala dinner held in Dar es Salaam. The evening brought together senior government leaders, industry partners, diplomats, and private sector stakeholders to celebrate a journey that has been shaped, above all, by people.
Stori za Dhahabu: Putting People at the Centre
While the venue was elegant, the true highlight of the evening was the story of GGML itself told through experiences, milestones, and shared achievements. The anniversary commemoration was anchored on Stori za Dhahabu, a platform developed to capture the lived experiences of individuals whose lives, livelihoods, and communities have been shaped by GGML since operations began in 2000. Through voices of long-serving employees, contractors, and community members, Stori za Dhahabu captures moments of challenge, resilience, growth, and pride, reminding us that GGML’s success is measured not only in ounces of gold, but in lives impacted and opportunities created during GGML’s 25-year journey.
A Living Timeline: The GGML Museum Wall
One of the most striking features of the gala was the GGML Museum Wall, a visual journey through the mine’s rich history and defining milestones. Designed as a walk-through timeline, the wall traced gold discovery in the Geita region as far back as 1896, through to large-scale commercial production in 2000, and onward to major achievements in sustainability, safety, community development, and national contribution.
The museum wall highlighted landmark moments such as:
- The transition to underground mining
- Major production milestones
- Investments in water, health, education, and community policing
- Recognition for tax compliance and local content leadership
- Decarbonisation efforts through national grid connection
- The growth of a largely Tanzanian workforce and leadership
For many, the wall was not only an exhibit, but a powerful reminder that each generation has played a role in shaping GGML’s legacy, and that today’s work is part of a much bigger story.
Setting the Tone: Reflecting on Purpose and Impact
VP Sustainability & Corporate Affairs (Africa), AngloGold Ashanti, Simon Shayo, invited guests to pause and reflect on the true significance of GGML’s 25-year journey. Drawing from his own longstanding connection with the mine and its host communities, he framed the milestone not simply as a measure of time or production stats, but as a journey shaped by the people and partnerships that brought it to life.
“The true measure of our impact is not what we say about our work, but what others can say about how it has changed their lives. We believe that mining, if done responsibly, helps build futures and transform lives above it,” he said.
A Night of Recognition
Speaking during the ceremony, the Chief Guest, Deputy Minister of Minerals, Dr. Steven L. Kiruswa, commended GGML for its sector leadership and contribution to national development. He highlighted the company’s performance in sustainability, tax compliance, employment creation, and community development, noting its role in strengthening the mining sector’s alignment with Tanzania’s development priorities.
“GGML’s contribution to sustainability, compliance, employment, and community development reflects the kind of leadership we want to see in Tanzania’s mining sector,” said Dr. Steven L. Kiruswa.
AngloGold Ashanti Chief Legal Officer and GGML Board Chair, Lizelle Marwick, described the 25-year anniversary as both a meaningful and strategic moment in the company’s history. She emphasized that GGML’s success is rooted in strong operational discipline and a deeply embedded culture where safety always comes before production.
“Safety before production is not just a principle at GGML. It is a way of life that guides every aspect of our operations,” said Lizelle Marwick.
She also highlighted GGML’s contribution beyond mining, noting its role in building national capabilities, supporting community development, and advancing responsible, people-centered leadership within the sector.
Former GGML Managing Director and current Senior Vice President (SVP) for the Africa Business Unit at AngloGold Ashanti, Terry Strong, reflected on the mine’s operational performance and long-term resilience. He described GGML as one of AngloGold Ashanti’s top-performing operations across its African portfolio, citing strong safety standards, operational discipline, and sustained productivity.
“Geita has consistently demonstrated resilience and performance, underpinned by a strong focus on safety, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability,” said Terry Strong.
He also emphasized the importance of continuous learning and adaptability as GGML looks toward the future, saying “Our ability to grow, unlearn, and relearn has been essential to building a resilient operation in a constantly changing global mining environment.”
Reflecting on the milestone, GGML Acting General Manager, Duan Campbell, underscored that reaching 25 years of operation is not the result of a single achievement, but the outcome of thousands of deliberate choices made every day across the mine.
He emphasised that GGML’s longevity has been built through a strong culture of safety, discipline, and long-term thinking values consistently demonstrated by employees and contractors, often behind the scenes. He paid tribute to the dedication of current and former teams, as well as the trust and collaboration of host communities, government, and partners, noting that these relationships remain central to GGML’s continued success as the next chapter of Stori za Dhahabu unfolds.
“Geita’s story is deeply intertwined with Tanzania’s development, and we are proud of the role our people have played. What we have built at Geita belongs to all those who have walked this journey with us over the past quarter century. As we celebrate 25 years, we do so with pride in our past, confidence in our present, and responsibility for the future we are building together.” said Duan Campbell.
Launch of the Stori za Dhahabu Legacy Book
Another key highlight of the evening was the official launch of the Stori za Dhahabu Legacy Book, unveiled by the Chief Guest, Dr. Steven Lemomo Kiruswa. The book captures defining moments, personal stories, and milestones from GGML’s 25-year journey, serving as a lasting record of the people, partnerships, and purpose that have shaped the mine.
In a symbolic gesture linking past and present, copies of the legacy book were handed over to Mr. Charles Masubi, GGML’s Director – Human Resources, Eng. Philbert Rweyemamu, Chairperson of the Tanzania Chamber of Mines on behalf of the industry and the Government, TAMICO’s GGML Branch representative, and alumni representatives recognising their foundational contributions and reaffirming that GGML’s story has been built across generations of partnership, leadership, expertise, and service.
Beyond the formal programme, the evening was equally marked by moments of laughter, entertainment, and reconnection. Colleagues, partners, and friends of GGML shared stories, renewed relationships, and forged new connections bringing the celebration to life and reinforcing the strong sense of community that continues to define the GGML family.
Looking Ahead—Together
As the evening concluded, one message stood clear: GGML’s 25-year journey has been built through partnership—between employees, contractors, host communities, government, and industry stakeholders.
The Stori za Dhahabu commemoration, the museum wall, and the shared reflections of the evening positioned the anniversary not just as a celebration of longevity, but as a tribute to the people and values that continue to define GGML. This spirit was powerfully captured in a heartfelt toast delivered by Joachim Lusana, one of GGML’s long-serving employees, who joined the Geita project in 1994 as a junior geologist and shared personal reflections on the mine’s growth, resilience, and the people who have shaped its journey.
At the heart of GGML’s 25-year journey are our people—the employees and contractors who, day after day, have brought skill, discipline, and commitment to our work. To all employees, your dedication, professionalism, and shared belief in doing things the right way have been central to every milestone achieved. We sincerely appreciate everyone who has made the achievement of this milestone a success.
As GGML turns the page to the next chapter, it does so with deep appreciation for those who have shaped its past and continue to build its future. With these foundations firmly in place, the journey continues being guided by experience, strengthened by collaboration, and driven by a shared commitment to responsible and sustainable mining in Tanzania.
