.png)
One of the country’s leading lithium producers, Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe (PLZ), is ramping up its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, underlining its commitment to infrastructure development and community upliftment.
By Ryan Chigoche
This was a major highlight of the recent media tour of the company’s operations, where PLZ also showcased progress on its soon-to-be-completed US$400 million lithium sulphate plant.
In recent years, CSR has become a cornerstone of responsible mining, ensuring that companies create lasting benefits for the communities where they operate. Through its ongoing initiatives, PLZ has demonstrated that its operations benefit not only the national economy but also grassroots communities in Goromonzi, where the company is based.
The media tour spotlighted PLZ’s road construction project, which complements government infrastructure development efforts. The expansion of the Goromonzi road has improved connectivity, easing the transportation of goods and people. This development is expected to boost the district’s appeal to investors and drive further economic growth.
“The road network construction in Goromonzi District is a testament to our commitment to improving infrastructure and supporting economic development,” said Yu Long, PLZ’s ESG Director. “We believe that this investment will have a lasting impact on the local community and contribute to Zimbabwe’s economic growth.”
With the year drawing to a close, PLZ Public Relations Manager Patience Chizodza confirmed that the company is on track to complete its 4km target for the project, reaffirming PLZ’s commitment to infrastructure development.
“It is one of PLZ’s elite projects, which began in 2024. We did 4km from Majuru Growth Point to Kubatsirana Clinic. When that was done, we started on the next 4km, which we are currently doing from Majuru Growth Point to Arda Farm. This project will be completed this year. We are hoping that we will be able to do the next 4km again next year, 2026, until the whole road has been tarred. We are huge on infrastructure development as PLZ,” Chizodza said.
The tour also featured PLZ’s women’s empowerment program, launched in December 2024 under the banner “Weaving the Future.” The initiative is aimed at improving the livelihoods of local women, and it has already yielded significant results.
Felistas Rutanhira, the group’s leader, said, “We are thrilled by what PLZ has done for us, our lives have improved dramatically. We are now well known, and we receive new sewing orders on a daily basis.”
Since beginning operations in 2022, PLZ has invested more than US$3 million into various CSR projects in Goromonzi.
These include the construction of classroom blocks and staff quarters at Vhuta Primary School. Vhuta and other schools, including Ivordale, Musirikwi, Belmont, and Mwanza, have also benefited from new furniture and textbooks.
PLZ has additionally embarked on its ongoing “energy equity” project, aimed at improving access to reliable power for surrounding communities.
