Phase one earthworks begin at Lake Victoria Gold’s Imwelo project

Lake Victoria Gold has commenced phase one earthworks at its Imwelo Gold Project in Tanzania, a critical step that signals the project's transition from planning to visible site execution. These initial activities focus on upgrading access roads, preparing the plant-site footprint, and nearing completion of a strategically designed construction camp capable of supporting both construction and long-term operational phases. The project is being managed under an EPCM structure led by Tanzanian-owned City Engineering Company, underscoring a commitment to local content and in-country capacity building.

Arusha, Tanzania – July 29, 2026 – Lake Victoria Gold (LVG) has announced the commencement of phase one earthworks at its fully permitted Imwelo Gold Project in Tanzania, marking a significant milestone in the project’s development trajectory. This critical initial phase, focused on establishing foundational infrastructure, demonstrates tangible progress at a project poised to contribute to Tanzania’s robust gold mining sector. The activities underscore a strategic approach to project execution, prioritizing efficiency, capital consciousness, and strong local engagement in one of Africa’s most prolific gold regions.

Phase One Earthworks Underway: Establishing Core Infrastructure

The current phase of development at the Imwelo Gold Project is primarily centered on the essential preparation of the site to facilitate subsequent construction and, eventually, full-scale mining operations. A major undertaking involves the upgrading of existing roads, a prerequisite for the safe and reliable transport of heavy equipment, project materials, and personnel to and from the site. This seemingly straightforward task is foundational for any remote mining project, ensuring logistical efficiency and reducing operational risks associated with transport.

Beyond road improvements, extensive site works are underway at the plant-site footprint. These activities include:

Clearing and Grubbing: Removal of vegetation and tree stumps to prepare the ground.
Stripping and Stockpiling Topsoil: Carefully removing and storing the uppermost layer of soil, essential for future reclamation and environmental rehabilitation efforts. This demonstrates an early commitment to responsible environmental management under Tanzanian regulatory frameworks.
Developing and Compacting the Plant Pad: Creating a stable, level surface for the future processing plant and associated infrastructure. Proper compaction is crucial to prevent differential settlement and ensure the structural integrity of heavy equipment and buildings.
Building Sound Berms: Constructing earthen barriers, often used for noise attenuation, visual screening, or containment, particularly around industrial areas.
Excavating Trenches for Infrastructure: Preparing the groundwork for essential services such as electrical conduits, water pipes, and communication lines.

To execute these intensive earthmoving activities, a dedicated fleet of earth-moving equipment has been mobilized on site. Lake Victoria Gold is actively coordinating with Tanzanian authorities to ensure smooth arrangements for road access and the sourcing of earthworks materials, highlighting the collaborative nature of large-scale infrastructure projects within the country’s regulatory landscape.

Strategic Construction Camp Development for Long-Term Efficiency

Parallel to the earthworks, significant progress has been reported on the construction camp, which is nearing completion. This facility is more than just temporary housing; it represents a strategic investment designed for longevity and efficiency. Key advancements include:

Installation of water storage systems, ensuring a consistent and reliable water supply for both construction and operational phases.
Integration of power generation systems, addressing the remote nature of the project site and guaranteeing energy independence.
Completion of plumbing work, setting up essential sanitary facilities.
Ongoing electrical work, preparing for full power distribution throughout the camp.
Fitting out of accommodation areas, preparing living quarters for the workforce.

A notable aspect of the camp’s design and construction is its dual purpose: it is engineered to transition seamlessly from accommodating the construction workforce to supporting permanent operations. This foresight is a testament to Lake Victoria Gold’s capital-conscious approach, aiming to avoid duplicated investment and maximize the utility of early infrastructure expenditures. By planning for operational readiness from the outset, the company aims to reduce future capital outlays and streamline the transition from project development to production.

A Collaborative Model: Local Expertise Meets International Support

The successful oversight and execution of a project the scope of Imwelo demand a robust management structure. Lake Victoria Gold has adopted an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management (EPCM) model for project delivery. This approach allows for expert coordination and oversight of various project aspects, from detailed design to procurement and construction, without the contractor taking on direct construction risk usually associated with EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) contracts.

Crucially, the EPCM structure is led by the Tanzanian-owned City Engineering Company, demonstrating a profound commitment to local content compliance and in-country capacity building. This leadership role for a local firm is a significant positive for Tanzania’s mining sector, fostering economic development and skills transfer within the nation. Providing international technical support is Sutton Consulting International, bringing global best practices and specialized expertise to the project. Daily coordination on-site is handled by Lake Victoria Gold’s dedicated project team, ensuring immediate oversight and responsiveness to evolving project needs.

Lake Victoria Gold President and CEO Marc Cernovitch articulated the advantages of this collaborative model: “This model allows for local content compliance, local execution leadership and international technical involvement to further in-country project delivery capacity.” This statement underscores a philosophy that not only meets regulatory requirements but actively empowers local industry, which is increasingly becoming a benchmark for responsible mining investment in emerging economies.

The Broader Picture: Imwelo’s Role in Tanzania’s Gold Sector

Tanzania has long been recognized as a significant player in global gold production, largely owing to its rich geological endowments, particularly within the Lake Victoria Greenstone Belt. This geological province hosts multiple world-class gold deposits and operating mines, making the region a focal point for exploration and development. The commencement of phase one earthworks at Imwelo, therefore, is not merely a corporate update but an event with broader implications for the national mining landscape.

A new gold mine, once operational, typically generates substantial economic benefits, including direct and indirect job creation, contributions to national GDP through royalties and taxes, and opportunities for local businesses within the supply chain. For the communities surrounding the Imwelo project, this development holds the promise of improved infrastructure, skills development, and enhanced economic activity. Lake Victoria Gold’s emphasis on a “Tanzanian-led approach” resonates well with national aspirations for local participation and beneficial ownership in the resource sector.

In the context of global commodity markets, gold maintains its status as a key precious metal, often sought for its safe-haven characteristics and industrial applications. New gold production helps to stabilize supply, though individual projects like Imwelo contribute incrementally to the overall global market. The long-term viability and profitability of projects like Imwelo are influenced by sustained gold prices, operational efficiency, and a stable regulatory environment, all of which Lake Victoria Gold is actively navigating.

Looking Ahead: Next Steps and Project Trajectory

As phase one earthworks progress, Lake Victoria Gold has outlined a clear set of upcoming activities designed to maintain momentum and advance the Imwelo Gold Project efficiently. These include:

Completion and Commissioning of the Camp: Readying the construction camp for full occupancy and operation, a critical step for workforce readiness.
Continuing Access Road and Plant Pad Works: Further refining and expanding these essential infrastructure components.
Finishing Topsoil Management and Berm Construction: Finalizing environmental mitigation and site preparation tasks.
Advancing Detailed Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Planning: Moving into the more complex, detailed stages of project development that will lead to the construction of the processing plant and associated facilities.

Marc Cernovitch, Lake Victoria Gold’s President and CEO, articulated the strategic vision behind these actions: “Imwelo is moving beyond planning and mobilisation into visible, sequenced site execution. We are establishing the infrastructure in the order the project requires, while ensuring that early investments, including the camp, continue to serve Imwelo through construction and into operations. This practical, capital-conscious and Tanzanian-led approach is the model we intend to carry through the next stages of project development.” This statement reassures stakeholders that the project is not only progressing physically but is doing so with a well-defined, fiscally responsible, and locally empowered strategy.

The methodical progression at Imwelo signals Lake Victoria Gold’s commitment to bringing this asset into production. For investors and industry professionals, the emphasis on local content, efficient capital deployment, and structured project management provides a positive indication of the project's potential for sustainable development and long-term value creation within Tanzania’s promising gold sector.