By Fumbuka Ng'wanakilala
DAR ES SALAAM, June 23 (Reuters) - Tanzanian security forces have arrested at least 66 people this week after hundreds of villagers invaded Acacia Mining Plc's ACAA.L North Mara gold mine following an escalating dispute in the east African country's mining sector.
Officials said on Friday more than 500 residents of villages surrounding the mine in northwestern Tanzania invaded the mine on several days this week in an attempt to steal gold ore after a presidential committee accused London-listed Acacia of large-scale tax evasion, which the company denies.
"This week different groups of over 500 people armed with traditional weapons such as machetes and spears invaded the premises of the Acacia mine ... they even went to the gold processing plant," local area police chief Morris Okinda told reporters.
"Among those arrested, 34 were women who were used as human shields by groups of armed men who invaded the mine."
Several police officers were injured in the raids, which took place on at least three different days. Security forces said they fired teargas to disperse the crowds.
Tanzania is Africa's fourth-largest gold producer, and Acacia is its largest miner with three gold-producing mines.
Two of Acacia's gold mines - Bulyanhulu and Buzwagi - have been hit by an export ban on copper and gold concentrates announced by the government in March.
North Mara gold mine does not produce gold and copper concentrates and is not affected by the ban, but has a long history of strained relations with surrounding communities.
Acacia has been caught up in President John Magufuli's campaign to reform the mining industry, a key source of foreign exchange for the East African country. The sector accounts for 4 percent of Tanzania's gross domestic product.
Officials said villagers surrounding the North Mara gold mine were demanding compensation for their land and payment for alleged pollution caused by the mine.
Acacia Mining did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the security situation at the North Mara gold mine.