Karo Platinum’s Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) arm is constructing a US$5 million dam to support sustainable water supply and biodiversity protection in its platinum mining concession in Mhondoro-Ngezi, with commissioning scheduled for the first quarter of 2026, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The Chirundazi Dam project, a critical component of Karo Platinum’s long-term ESG strategy, is already under construction and is expected to benefit both mining operations and surrounding communities.
Speaking to a delegation of visiting financial institutions at the Karo site earlier this week, the company’s ESG Manager, Antony Njaya revealed that the project is not only a water infrastructure development but also an example of responsible environmental stewardship and community integration.
“Currently, we are building Chirundazi Dam, which is a US$5 million project,” said Njaya. “The construction is being done in full compliance with national standards, and unskilled and semi-skilled labour is being sourced entirely from the local community. This project is about much more than just water — it’s about sustainability and inclusion.”
Njaya explained that Karo is committed to supporting local procurement and has allocated various small projects within the larger dam development to community-based enterprises. These small-scale enterprises are being encouraged to register and formalise their operations so they can participate in future procurement opportunities.
Beyond economic inclusion, Karo has taken a proactive approach to conservation and environmental management. As part of preparations for the dam’s construction, the company relocated 5,200 aloe plants — a species protected under Zimbabwean law — into a dedicated seedbed area in partnership with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
“The aloe species is on the verge of extinction, and it’s classified as protected by National Parks. Before construction began, we created a seedbed and transplanted all identified plants to preserve them,” Njaya said.
Environmental research ahead of the project also flagged the possible presence of Kariba tilapia, a rare and endangered species of brimfish. Karo has initiated DNA testing to verify the fish’s identity and assess the feasibility of future fish farming in the dam.
“We would want to do fish farming in the dam, but if the fish is confirmed to be Kariba tilapia, then we’ll need to develop sustainable aquaculture practices that do not compromise their survival,” said Njaya.
The ESG manager also highlighted Karo’s efforts in monitoring emissions, managing waste, and ensuring resource efficiency across its operations. “Whatever we clear, we need to replace. Whatever we use and emit, we must account for it,” he noted.
Chirundazi Dam will become one of the most significant ESG-led mining infrastructure projects in Zimbabwe, designed to benefit both the mine and the community. The dam will support the Karo Platinum project’s water requirements while creating opportunities for community water access, small-scale irrigation, and aquaculture.
Set for completion and commissioning in Q1 of 2026, the Chirundazi Dam project is not just about operational sustainability — it reflects Karo’s broader commitment to environmental preservation, community development, and long-term shared value.
