Vusumuzi Dube
THE acclaimed corporate social responsibility programme established by the Duration Gold-operated Athens Mine in Mvuma, Midlands Province, has earned another prestigious award, this time at a ceremony recently held in Harare.
The initiative, which has organised former illegal miners into supervised syndicates, has brought order to the sector. It has virtually eradicated illegal mining on Athens’ claims, drastically reduced harm to the miners, and ensured operations now meet the mine’s rigorous safety, health, environment, and quality (SHEQ) standards.
“We have licensed syndicates made up of women, youth, war veterans, and other previously disadvantaged members of society,” said mine manager and SHEQ expert Mawulana Phiri. “They wanted to be part of those enjoying the national cake but needed a boost to make their dream a reality.”
“We take pride in knowing that many families are being fed, homes are being built, and pensioners are supported — all because of a win-win arrangement that has stood the test of time,” Phiri added.
The glitzy awards ceremony, held at the Rainbow Towers Hotel’s Harare International Conference Centre, celebrated mining and related industries breaking new ground in giving back to the economy and their communities.
Duration Gold spokesperson Mr Robert Mukondiwa praised the Athens team for their continued leadership and tangible results. “What manager Phiri and his team have achieved is a tribute to years of hard work, energy, and dedication,” he said. “It shows a deep commitment to changing the economic circumstances of their community.”
“This programme aligns perfectly with Duration Gold’s deliberate policy to partner with Government to achieve national goals and empower ordinary citizens to share in the benefits of their natural resources,” Mr Mukondiwa added.
The programme has been celebrated at myriad events across the nation and cited as a model replicated beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. “As an exemplar, we are willing to partner with government and private players to share the blueprint of this great idea, which has grown social cohesion and empowered grassroots communities,” said Mr Mukondiwa.
Online Reporter