Abstract:
he study assessed the applicability of mineral policy of Tanzania in promoting
corporate social responsibility in mining communities in Msalala District, using
experience of Bulyanhulu Gold Mine Company. Specifically, it assessed community
knowledge about corporate social responsibility, contribution of mining companies
in promoting it, affecting factors and ways of enhancing it.
The study adopted descriptive study design and involved 79 respondents who were
selected purposively and randomly. Data were collected through questionnaires,
interview, focus group discussion (FGDs) and documentary review and analysed
through SPSS version 20.
The findings indicated that the majority (76.7%) household members and key
informants were aware of corporate social responsibility through VEOs offices,
village meetings, media, colleagues, policies, and laws. They understood it as the
process whereby companies taking part to the development of the society at large.
The contribution of mining companies in promoting corporate social responsibility
was also examined; the findings indicated that the Bulyanhulu Gold Mine Company
supported the community by constructing dispensaries, school desks, bus stand and
market, school latrines, government office and community wells. However, the
projects were negatively perceived by the people because they were less involved in
the projects. Further the company brought negative effects to the study area such as
HIV and AIDS, environmental pollution, inflation, increased poverty and land
grabbing. Facilitating factors of corporate social responsibility were compliance
with laws, seeking relationship, improving company image, and response to public
pressure. Hindrances of it were profit motives, inadequate coordination, poor
community participation and inadequate monitoring of mining activities.
Basing on the findings, it is recommended that the mining communities be involved
in the projects initiation and implementations; commitment to promoting it and
coordination of activities related to corporate social responsibility be improved; and
awareness creation be prioritized, if corporate social responsibility has to be
achieved.
