Gold major AngloGold Ashanti convened an event – comprising senior government leaders, industry partners, diplomats and private sector stakeholders – to celebrate 25 years of wholly-owned sub-sidiary Geita Gold Mining’s (GGM’s) responsible mining in Tanzania, on January 30.

Reflecting on the milestone, GGM acting GM 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.

GGM’s longevity was built through a strong culture of safety, discipline and long-term thinking – values consistently demonstrated by employees and contractors, often behind the scenes, he added.

In addition, the dedication of current and former teams, as well as the trust and collaboration of host communities, government and partners, was noted by Campbell, who elaborated that these relationships remained central to GGM’s continued success.

“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,” he noted.

AngloGold Ashanti and GGM board chairperson Lizelle Marwick described the 25-year anniversary as both a meaningful and strategic moment in the company’s history.

She emphasised that GGM’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 GGM. It is a way of life that guides every aspect of our operations,” said Marwick, adding that GGM plays an important role and contributes beyond mining – noting its role in building national capabilities, supporting community development and advancing responsible, people-centered leadership within the sector.

Former GGM MD and current AngloGold Ashanti Africa Business Unit senior VP Terry Strong reflected on the mine’s operational performance and long-term resilience, describing GGM 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 sustaina- bility,” he said.

Strong also emphasised the importance of continuous learning and adaptability as GGM looks toward the future, saying that this will be important to building resilient mining operations.

“Our ability to grow, unlearn and relearn has been essential to building a resilient operation in a constantly changing global mining environment,” he adds.

A highlight of the anniversary celebration in Dar es Salaam was the Stori za Dhahabu – a platform which was developed to capture the lived experiences of individuals whose lives, livelihoods and communities have been shaped by GGM since operations started in 2000.

Through voices of long-serving employees, contractors and community members, Stori za Dhahabu captured moments of challenge, resilience, growth and pride, reminding everyone involved in GGM that success is measured not only in ounces of gold produced, but in lives impacted and opportunities created during GGM’s 25-year journey, a statement read.

Another key highlight of the evening was the official launch of the Stori za Dhahabu Legacy Book, unveiled by the chief guest Dr Steven Kiruswa. The book captures defining moments, personal stories and milestones from GGM’s 25-year journey, serving as a lasting record of the people, partnerships and purpose that have shaped the mine.

A museum wall at the anniversary event also served to highlight 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; and the growth of a largely Tanzanian workforce and leadership structure.

AngloGold Ashanti sustainability and corporate affairs VP Simon Shayo said that the milestone is not simply a measure of time or production statistics, but 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 concluded.