Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe
Zimpapers Business Hub
CALEDONIA Mining Corporation has invested approximately US$250 million in Zimbabwe over the past nine years through tax, royalty, salary, procurement and other statutory payments. This strengthens Victoria Falls Stock Exchange-listed miner’s status as one of the most significant mining companies and a key contributor to economic growth and development in Zimbabwe. The company, which operates the flagship Blanket Gold Mine in Gwanda and is advancing projects such as the Bilboes Gold Project and Motapa Project, has become a key player in Zimbabwe’s fast-growing mining sector through ongoing investment, production growth, community empowerment and local supplier development.The company’s latest Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report shows a significant increase in economic contributions as Caledonia transitions to a multi-asset gold producer.
In 2025, Caledonia spent US$31.9 million on local suppliers, up from US$16.5 million in 2024, while community development investment rose to US$1.6 million from US$1.4 million the prior year.
Dividends paid to the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust (GCSOT) rose sharply to US$5,5 million, compared to US$1,4 million in 2024.
Chief executive officer Mr Mark Learmonth said the group’s approach to social responsibility is centred on ensuring that the benefits generated by its mining activities are shared with employees and surrounding communities.
Mr Learmonth said 2025 marked an important milestone for the Employee Trust following the final repayment of the loan that had been used to acquire its shareholding in Blanket Mine.
“The year marked an important milestone with the final repayment of the loan originally used to acquire the Employee Trust’s 10 percent shareholding. As a result, the Trust now receives the full benefit of dividends without encumbrance,” he said.
He said a dividend paid in February 2026, based on Blanket Mine’s 2025 performance, translated to approximately US$600 per beneficiary.
“This dividend represents a direct economic benefit to participating employees through the Trust. Separately, the broader community continues to benefit from dividends allocated to its shareholding, reinforcing our inclusive ownership model.
“The dividends paid in respect of 2025 performance delivered a meaningful cash return to each beneficiary, highlighting how our approach creates shared, long-term value.”
