Kuvimba Mining House (KMH), Zimbabwe’s leading gold producer, has officially launched its annual sustainability campaign titled “Restoring Nature, Securing Tomorrow,” with a key focus on environmental stewardship and reforestation.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
As part of this initiative, the company has already planted over 10,000 indigenous trees around the Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) at Freda Rebecca Gold Mine since January 2025, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
The initiative aims to foster the preservation of ecosystems, protect communities near mining operations, and ensure long-term environmental sustainability. Indigenous trees, which are more resilient to local environmental conditions, are being planted to restore green spaces and combat the degradation caused by mining activities.
Kuvimba Mining House’s sustainability campaign demonstrates the company’s commitment to responsible mining practices. The “Restoring Nature, Securing Tomorrow” initiative is poised to set a new standard for environmental stewardship in the mining industry.
Speaking at the launch, Kuvimba Mining House Group CEO Trevor Barnard underscored the company’s dedication to preserving the environment:
“We are strongly committed to preserving the environment and protecting communities in our operational areas. I am delighted to launch the ‘Restoring Nature, Securing Tomorrow’ initiative, where we build our operations and support our teams to foster environmental stewardship. Working with local communities is essential for ensuring long-term environmental sustainability,” Barnard said.
The campaign, which focuses on reforestation, dust suppression, and infrastructure rehabilitation, forms a critical part of Kuvimba’s strategy to integrate environmental protection into its mining operations. TSFs, like the one at Freda Rebecca, are essential for managing mining waste, but they also pose risks to ecosystems and local communities if not properly managed. The reforestation efforts around the TSF aim to mitigate these risks.
The “Restoring Nature, Securing Tomorrow” campaign is not limited to Freda Rebecca. Kuvimba’s other mining operations are also implementing sustainability measures. At Sandawana Mines in Mberengwa, over 20 kilometers of roadworks have been completed, and dust suppression measures have been introduced to minimize environmental impact. In Lower Gweru, Jena Mines has constructed over 5 kilometers of road infrastructure to improve access to surrounding areas.
In addition, Zimbabwe Alloys, another Kuvimba entity, has launched a backfilling program to rehabilitate disused mining pits, reducing environmental hazards and protecting local communities.
A key feature of the campaign is collaboration with local communities. The launch event at Freda Rebecca Gold Mine was attended by Chief Chipadze, representatives from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), and over 100 students on attachment and graduate trainees. The involvement of local stakeholders highlights Kuvimba’s commitment to community engagement in its environmental initiatives.
Kuvimba has also introduced health promotion programs within the districts where it operates, working closely with local chiefs and community leaders. These initiatives are designed to enhance the well-being of communities and ensure their participation in preserving the environment.
Barnard emphasized the importance of planting indigenous trees, which are better suited to local conditions and more likely to thrive. Since January 2025, over 10,000 trees have been planted at Freda Rebecca, with an additional 500 trees being planted as part of the launch event. Indigenous trees are vital for restoring degraded ecosystems and ensuring long-term environmental resilience.
“Indigenous trees can withstand local conditions, including drought and disease, ensuring their growth and prosperity, much like our vision for Kuvimba Mining House and Freda Rebecca Gold Mine to thrive into the future,” Barnard said.
The “Restoring Nature, Securing Tomorrow” campaign is set to become a key pillar of Kuvimba’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy. In addition to environmental stewardship, the company is focused on education and health initiatives. Since Kuvimba’s inception, over 1,000 students have participated in training programs, and 80 students are currently gaining practical experience across its operations.
