Caledonia Invests Over US$1.5 Million in Community Projects
Victoria Falls Stock Exchange-listed gold miner Caledonia Mining Corporation invested over US$1.5 million in community projects last year, marking a 67 per cent increase from the previous year’s investment, Mining Zimbabwe has learnt.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
According to Caledonia Mining Corporation’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report for 2023, the gold-focused mining company allocated the funds across seven identified strategic community investment themes or pillars, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These initiatives aim to catalyze development, foster a vibrant and self-sufficient economy, and drive socioeconomic upliftment.
“As part of our community engagement process and our commitment to sharing benefits with our local community, each year we make significant investments across seven identified strategic community investment themes or pillars aligned with the SDGs to catalyze development, encourage the growth of a vibrant, self-sufficient economy, and drive socioeconomic upliftment. In total, we invested more than US$1.5 million across these strategic pillars during 2023,” the ESG report reads in part.
According to the report, US$437,500 was invested in education, reflecting Caledonia’s commitment to nurturing future generations. The funds were used to build new school infrastructure, provide scholarships to underprivileged students, and enhance teacher training programs. This initiative aimed to improve the quality of education and increase access to learning opportunities for children in the surrounding communities.
Meanwhile, US$261,500 was invested in health, focusing on upgrading local health facilities, including the provision of medical equipment and the refurbishment of clinics. The funds also supported health outreach programs, providing essential medical services to remote areas and improving maternal and child health care. These efforts were critical in enhancing the overall health and well-being of the community.
The report also states that US$40,100 was invested in agricultural projects to support food security and income generation. The investment facilitated the introduction of modern farming techniques, the establishment of community gardens, and the provision of seeds and fertilizers. These initiatives were designed to empower local farmers, increase crop yields, and reduce dependency on external food sources.
Additionally, US$147,000 was invested in women and youth empowerment, aimed at creating opportunities for economic independence and skill development. The funds supported vocational training programs, entrepreneurship workshops, and small business grants. These initiatives targeted increasing the participation of women and youth in the local economy, fostering self-reliance, and reducing unemployment rates.
Furthermore, US$179,300 was invested in environmental initiatives, focusing on promoting sustainable practices and conservation efforts. This included funding reforestation projects, community awareness campaigns on environmental protection, and the implementation of waste management programs. The goal was to minimize the environmental impact of mining activities and promote long-term ecological balance.
US$112,600 was invested in conservation efforts, including protecting wildlife habitats and supporting local conservation organizations. The funds were also used to implement anti-poaching measures and promote eco-friendly tourism, which not only helps in conservation but also provides alternative livelihoods for the local population.
US$88,600 was invested in charitable initiatives, directed towards supporting vulnerable groups in the community. The investment provided assistance to orphanages, elderly care centres, and families affected by natural disasters. The company also funded community-driven initiatives aimed at improving living conditions and providing immediate relief to those in need.
An additional US$337,400 was invested in community investment pillars and events, allocated towards administrative support and community engagement activities. These investments ensured the smooth execution of community projects and fostered community engagement through cultural and social events that brought people together and reinforced the sense of community.