Though parts of the government and the operating company deny it, a 2016 study counted at least 20 local deaths and nearly 1000 cattle.

In 2008 a group of 200 people broke into the North Mara mine site and destroyed approximately US$15 million worth of Barrick property, including setting some of it on fire.

Motivation for the attack on the property was not determined, the local police suggested they were attempting to get gold from the pit.

[8] In June 2010 the Tanzanian government declared the Tigithe River free of pollution, following changes made to Barrick's environmental program.

Barrick had replaced 40,000 square metres (430,000 sq ft) of liner within their effluent pond, which they claim was destroyed by vandalism.