By: Macy Janine Pamaranglas – Art in Tanzania Intern
Corporate Social Responsibility
Environmental Advocacy Program
What is Corporate Social Responsibility?
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a business model that involves accountability in terms of the process and impact the company has on society, whether social, economic, or environmental. When a company adopts the CSR model, it has the ultimate responsibility to ensure that it does not negatively affect society; this includes protecting and promoting human rights.
Here is an example to help clarify this concept. Starbucks wanted to guarantee the diversity and inclusivity of its workforce. Hence, the company aimed “to hire 25,000 US military veterans and spouses by 2025”. It also announced a mentorship program to connect other marginalised community members, such as people of colour and Indigenous individuals, with senior business leaders.
CSR & Barrick Gold Mine
Barrick is a mining company identifying itself as a “sector-leading gold and copper producer” in 18 countries worldwide. Its mission is “to be the world’s most valued gold and copper mining business by finding, developing, and owning the best assets…” In its efforts to attain this, Barrick determines several core values, some of which are notable, including “zero harm workplace” and “responsible and accountable”. Moreover, the company commits itself to protecting human rights by meeting the expectations stated in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPs), and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.
Yet, despite Barrick’s priority for human rights protection, the company faced serious human rights complaints. Since Barrick was authorized to conduct operational control at North Mara in Tanzania, police and security forces used excessive force. Unfortunately, it led to the death of at least four residents and the assault of 7 other individuals. RAID, an NGO which works on holding businesses accountable in terms of standing up for human rights, found out that assigned police forces constantly entered residential areas during mine-related operations. They would forcibly enter homes warrantless, arbitrarily arrest and abuse locals, throw teargas, and shoot live ammunition haphazardly.
Most recently, 10 Tanzanians joined forces to file a lawsuit at the UK High Court against the mining company, which was formerly known as Acacia Mining. The company has had a few drawbacks in terms of its history and reputation. For instance, Barrick’s current CEO, Mark Bristow, said, “The historic problem of Barrick in Tanzania was that no one embraced the communities [around the mine]”. Bristow added that it was “an irresponsibly run business”.
This year, Barrick officially released its 2021 Sustainability Report, which mentions how the company has made “significant reductions” in its security forces at the North Mara mine. It also declared its efforts in “diligently… restoring and rebuilding the relationship with the local community”. However, residents have stated otherwise; they told RAID that they have not observed any significant improvements regarding security forces. Moreover, Barrick denied the allegations and argued that the Tanzanian police forces are the state’s responsibility, not the company’s.
Conclusion
Barrick should execute efforts to promote and protect human rights. Many local workers endanger their lives for the sake of making a living; hence, as an affluent company, it should invest in the safety and security of its workers by all means. The people are their greatest assets, so it is pivotal for the company to minimize hazards.
Sources
About Barrick. Barrick Gold Corporation – About Barrick. (n.d.). Retrieved November 9, 2022, from https://www.barrick.com/English/about/default.aspx
African Barrick Gold Lawsuit (re tanzania). Business & Human Rights Resource Centre. (n.d.). Retrieved November 9, 2022, from https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/latest-news/african-barrick-gold-lawsuit-re-tanzania/
Digital Marketing Institute. (2022, September 1). 16 brands doing Corporate Social Responsibility successfully. Digital Marketing Institute. Retrieved November 9, 2022, from https://digitalmarketinginstitute.com/blog/corporate-16-brands-doing-corporate-social-responsibility-successfully
Human Rights. Barrick Gold Corporation – Sustainability – Human Rights. (n.d.). Retrieved November 9, 2022, from https://www.barrick.com/English/sustainability/human-rights/default.aspx
Investors in Barrick Gold should act to halt violence at Tanzania mine. RAID. (2022, April 27). Retrieved November 9, 2022, from https://www.raid-uk.org/blog/investors-barrick-gold-should-act-halt-violence-tanzania-mine
Van Woudenberg, A. (2021, December 15). Will barrick gold CEO go beyond rhetoric to deliver justice for victims of police killings at Tanzanian mine? Inequality.org. Retrieved November 9, 2022, from https://inequality.org/research/barrick-gold-human-rights/
Whitehouse, D. (2022, March 29). Barrick: LBMA to consider raid allegations over Tanzania Gold-mine deaths. The Africa Report. Retrieved November 9, 2022, from https://www.theafricareport.com/188111/barrick-lbma-to-consider-raid-allegations-over-tanzania-gold-mine-deaths/
