Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
IN a remarkable display of corporate social responsibility and environmental stewardship, mining company, Alrosa Zimbabwe, has successfully rehabilitated its former exploration site and handed over the transformed land – complete with buildings and fish ponds – to the Shinja community in Chimanimani.
This initiative, not only showcases the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, but also highlights the potential for mining activities to have a positive impact on local communities.
The company worked closely with the local stakeholders to ensure that the site will meet the community’s needs and provide long term benefits.
The company handed over two buildings that can be used for various community purposes, such as pre-school, clinic, or community centre.
Two large ponds used during the exploration have been safely rehabilitated and stocked with thousands of fingerlings by the company for the community to embark on highly lucrative fish farming business.
The site is also secured by a fence and the building are electrified.
Alrosa Zimbabwe managing director, Mr Sergey Loshkarev said although their initial exploration of diamonds at Shinja did not yield the desired results, they found it prudent to leave the community in a better position with tangible infrastructure and life-changing livelihood projects.
“We stand here representing the Joint Venture between the Government of Zimbabwe under the esteemed leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Alrosa (Zimbabwe) (Private) Limited as we transfer and handover infrastructure and resources following the completion of our project in the area.
“This moment is not just a conclusion – it is a continuation of our commitment to the communities that have welcomed us, supported us and walked alongside us throughout our journey as we move to other communities. As you know the company is still in the exploration phase. We are not yet generating revenue, and the road ahead is one of continued research, investment and hope.
“Yet, even in this early stage, we believe in giving back. We believe that corporate social responsibility is not a destination – it is a mind-set – a culture and promise. Today, we handover, not only physical infrastructure, but also a symbol of partnership and shared progress. These assets are now entrusted to you, the community, to support local development and to improve your livelihoods.
“Our journey here may not have led us to immediate mining activity, but it has reinforced our conviction that communities are at the heart of our sustainable development, and it is our duty to leave them better than we found them.
Let me take this opportunity to thank the local authorities, Environmental Management Agency for the continued guidance, community leaders and every individual who has played a role throughout the tenure of this project.
Let me reaffirm our commitment, we are here in Zimbabwe for the long term.
We are here to explore responsibly, engage respectfully and contribute meaningfully,” he said.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Transport and Infrastructural Development Deputy Minister, Honourable Joshua Sacco commended Alrosa for its responsible and environmentally conscious approach.
“Zimbabwe and Russia have a long standing and cordial relationship, dating back to our liberation war era, during which Russia provided us with immense support. This
relationship remains strong and ongoing, with a partnership in place between Alrosa and Government. As the people of Chimanimani, we are delighted that Alrosa is leaving behind a sustainable legacy.
“Following inspection and clearance from EMA who confirmed that the company had adhered to proper environmental guidelines and rehabilitated the environment, Alrosa has ensured a proper exit. Unlike some miners who leave sites in a degraded state and the community with nothing, Alrosa has chosen to follow the correct procedure,” said Deputy Minister Sacco.
Chimanimani West Member of the House of Assembly, Honourable Wilson Maphosa said although the initial exploration at Shinja did not yield the desired results, Alrosa ensured that the community will benefit from something tangible and sustainable.
He urged the community to properly maintain the infrastructure for the benefit of future generations.
“The company’s efforts have set a positive precedent for the mining industry, showcasing the potential for responsible and sustainable mining practices that benefit both the environment and local communities. This initiative provides long-term benefits to the community and potential to change the people’s lives,” he said.
EMA Chimanimani District officer, Mr Prosper Kaneta hailed Alrosa for adhering to mining regulations that stipulate sustainable mining activities.
“We have environmental laws that are implemented to ensure sustainable mining. The process of mining requires us to go through environmental impact assessment, which is done to find out impact that can occur when mining operations start.
The EIA is done before the actual mining so that we can foresee and foretell negative impacts that will occur.
“Alrosa managed to do that and came up with an environmental management plan which is commendable. The EIA explains what is required before, during and after mining operations.
On this site, we are at decommissioning stage of the exploration which took place here.
“Miners destroy the environment, but with Alrosa we have seen the difference. Some miners when leaving sites go on to destroy the infrastructure they were using, leaving communities with no legacy. The decommissioning plan I have seen here is commendable and within the confines of the law,” he said.
Chimanimani Rural District Council executive officer in charge of Environment, Social Services and Community Development, Mr Brian Muchinapo called upon the community to put to good use the buildings, fish ponds and further come up with other projects utilising the availability of electricity and perimeter fence. “As the local authority we are pleased to receive this infrastructure and project on behalf of the Shinja community. When some investors leave, they pack everything and go leaving communities without anything. The community through its ward councillor requested the council to negotiate with Alrosa so that they leave the buildings intact and rehabilitate the ponds for fish farming.
“We engaged Alrosa with the request and they acceded. We now call upon community to safeguard this investment.
‘‘The community will decide how to use the buildings and which other projects to adopt in consultation with council,” he said
