Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube
OVER 100 villagers from Hope Fountain are set to benefit from food hampers from Happy Valley Bat Gold Mine on Tuesday, a gesture underscoring the growing partnership between local industry and rural communities.
The donation event will be graced by the Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, who will serve as the guest of honour.
The donation is one of several major community outreach initiatives since the mine began operations in the area just over four months ago.
Speaking ahead of the event, the mine’s director, Mr Mohammed Daka, confirmed the donation, emphasising the company’s commitment to giving back to the community.
“This donation is a means for us to give back to the community from which we operate and who have been largely cooperative in the last four and a half months that we have been operating at the mine.
“Their support has been invaluable, and it is only appropriate that we share some of the benefits of our work with them,” said Mr Daka.
Project director Mr Owen Yao highlighted the strong relationship the mining company has built with the local community.
“In the past, we have worked well with the community and have even assisted the local school whenever they request our services. Most recently, we helped scoop the local dam, which is vital for the village’s water supply and agricultural needs.
“Actually, we are not yet fully operational but once we do, we have a whole plan where we will be working directly with the community to help develop it. This will add on to the locals that we have employed and will employ in the future. We will empower these to also have the expertise to operate all the machinery, which we feel will go a long way,” said Mr Yao.
He also revealed details about the company’s investments and employment plans.
“In terms of operations, we have invested over US$1 million and employ 65 locals. When we are fully operational, we plan to employ over 200 locals plus 20 experts who will come to train the locals on the use of the machinery.
“Our goal is to foster a mutually beneficial relationship where the community’s well-being and the mine’s success go hand in hand,” he said.
Mr Yao noted that Tuesday’s donation is part of Happy Valley Bat Gold Mine’s ongoing efforts to support and engage with the community, reinforcing its role as a responsible corporate citizen in the Hope Fountain area.
“This donation also serves as a tangible symbol of the mine’s pledge to be more than just an industrial operator in the region, it aims to be a committed stakeholder in the community’s future,” said Mr Yao.
