Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo [email protected]
Blanket Mine has injected a further US$1,8 million into the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust, bringing its total contributions to the community since the Trust’s establishment in 2012 to more than US$16,4 million.
The latest contribution was made on 27 July 2026 by Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc’s subsidiary, Blanket Mine (1983) (Private) Limited, reaffirming the mining company’s commitment to ensuring host communities benefit directly from the success of its operations.
Established in 2012, the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust was created to enable communities in the district to participate in and benefit from mining activities through dividend distributions and other financial contributions.
Since its inception, Blanket Mine has channeled approximately US$16,4 million to the Trust through establishment funding and dividend payments, making it one of Zimbabwe’s longest running and most successful community share ownership schemes.
Blanket Mine General Manager Mr Elton Gwatidzo said the partnership continued to demonstrate how mining could create lasting socio-economic benefits beyond mineral extraction.
“The relationship between Blanket Mine and the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust remains an important example of how mining can create lasting benefits beyond the mine boundary,” he said.
“We are proud of this long-standing partnership and remain committed to ensuring that the success of Blanket Mine continues to deliver value for the communities that host our operations.”
Mr Gwatidzo said the mine and the Trust remained united in their commitment to sustainable community development and long-term value creation for the people of Gwanda.
Dividends generated through the Trust’s shareholding in Blanket Mine continue to support projects aimed at improving livelihoods and driving socio-economic development across the district.
While the Trust independently determines how the funds are allocated in line with its strategic priorities, the partnership is designed to ensure that mining revenues contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development and prosperity of communities surrounding the mine.
The latest dividend payment also reflects Caledonia Mining Corporation’s continued commitment to responsible mining and strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance.
“By sharing a portion of the economic value generated by Blanket Mine with the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust, Caledonia aims to support a sustainable framework through which local communities can benefit from mining activities in their area,” the company said.
Caledonia maintains that communities hosting mining operations should directly share in the economic benefits generated by those operations.
Over the past decade, the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust has financed numerous development projects across the district in education, healthcare, water supply and infrastructure, in line with priorities identified by local communities.
