In a significant move toward sustainable mining development in Zimbabwe, Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO) has expressed interest in partnering with the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) to champion responsible and environmentally conscious mining practices among artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) operating in Manhize, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The announcement was made by Pela Mtunzi, Head of the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Department at DISCO, during a recent stakeholder engagement in Chivhu. Mtunzi highlighted the company’s extensive efforts in promoting sustainability, social development, and environmental stewardship—initiatives which DISCO now hopes to extend to the surrounding ASM community through strategic partnerships.
“We have a lot of small-scale miners around the plant, and it will be very exciting to work with ZMF, especially in terms of sustainable mining and keeping the environment safe,” Mtunzi said. “It’s our environment—we would like it to be there for a long time.”
DISCO, a subsidiary of Tsingshan Holdings Group and one of the largest Chinese investors in Zimbabwe, has been setting benchmarks in ESG compliance. The company’s iron and steel plant in Manhize, Midlands Province, is already contributing to the national economy through employment, infrastructure development, and environmental care.
Mtunzi outlined the company’s shift from mere donations to building resilient communities. “We don’t donate—we build with communities to ensure that the development is sustainable,” she stated.
Projects spearheaded by DISCO include modern housing for relocated families, electrification of homes, support for local farmers, borehole drilling, and solarisation of schools. The company has also made strides in disaster relief and education, providing sports equipment and helping restore schools affected by floods.
Additionally, DISCO’s employment policy reflects its commitment to local empowerment. Residents of Chikomba and Churumanzu are given first preference in job opportunities, with most of the unskilled labour force drawn from surrounding villages. Skills transfer programs pairing Chinese and Zimbabwean engineers are also in place, creating a technically proficient local workforce.
Mtunzi also emphasized DISCO’s commitment to sport and youth engagement through the Dinson Mvuma Football Club. The Division One club is co-owned by the company and local community and has become a source of pride and opportunity for young people.
“We believe this is going to be a game-changer for local football,” said Mtunzi, encouraging partnerships to support the club. She noted that corporate backing like that from DISCO can revive the local football ecosystem, which has struggled with sponsorship in recent years.
ZMF, the mother body of ASM in Zimbabwe, has long championed the formalisation and sustainable development of the sector. A collaboration between DISCO’s ESG Department and ZMF could unlock new pathways for ASM compliance with environmental regulations, safety standards, and community engagement practices.
The potential partnership comes at a time when ASM is under increased scrutiny for environmental degradation and unsafe working conditions. With support from a major player like DISCO, there is hope that ASM in Manhize and surrounding areas can become models of sustainable resource extraction.
DISCO’s ESG leadership is setting the stage for a broader transformation in Zimbabwe’s mining landscape—one that respects the environment, uplifts communities, and integrates the informal sector into the country’s sustainable development goals. The company’s willingness to work with ZMF marks a crucial step toward inclusive and responsible mining that could serve as a blueprint for others to follow.
