admin
fiscus in the nine months to September.
The Canadian Stock Exchange-listed firm said Blanket Mine had also spent about US$6,8 million on various corporate social investment programmes.
“Since January 2009, Blanket has made Corporate and Social Investments totaling US$1,1 million.
“Blanket procures 45 percent of its supplies and services from within Zimbabwe (excluding labour) and this local expenditure totalled US$5,7 million in the 9 months to September 30,” said Caledonia.
The mining firm’s outstanding commitment to meet its tax obligations would thus not escape recognition by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, which gave the firm two tax awards.
Blanket Mine was awarded first place in the income tax and pay as you earn categories in appreciation of its tax contribution.
“Both of these awards are testament to the importance that Blanket and Caledonia attach to fulfilling their obligations as good corporate citizens in Zimbabwe,” said Caledonia Mining.
These developments come on the back of contrasting positions between the Government and the Chamber of Mines regarding the mining sector’s contribution to the fiscus.
Finance Minister Tendai Biti early this year said the sector only accounted for about four percent of revenues to the fiscus while mining firms put the figure at just over 16 percent.
Meanwhile, Blanket Gold Mine has been recognised as one of the safest mines in the country after being awarded a gold medal in the Mining and Quarrying sector in the Matabeleland region by the National Social Security Authority.
The Mining firm is considered the third safest in the country after it received a bronze medal for safety when pitted against others across all industrial sectors in Zimbabwe.
Blanket Gold Mine is located in the southwest of Zimbabwe, approximately 15 kilometres west of Gwanda, the provincial capital of Matabeleland South province.
The awards followed an audit of the firm’s Occupational, Safety and Health (OSH) policy and procedures by NSSA.
NSSA is a public or State created entity and was established as part of the Government’s objective to ensure and enhance social protection for the workers.
The NSSA audit covered among other things, Blanket Gold Mine Occupational Safety and Health policies, procedures, training and management systems.
Caledonia Mining chief executive officer Mr Stefan Hayden expressed gratitude after their local unit scooped safety awards.
“I am delighted at this public recognition of Blanket’s commitment to achieving the highest standards of Occupational Safety and Health. These awards are a testament to the continued hard work in this area by the management and employees at Blanket who are all to be heartily congratulated.
“On a broader perspective, these awards demonstrate the commitment of Blanket and Caledonia to fulfilling its obligations as a good corporate citizen in Zimbabwe,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s mining sector generally has a positive record in respect of mines safety, with institutions such as the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, the Mining
Engineering Department and the Environmental Management Agency working together in respect of occupational health and safety in the sector.
Online Reporter