In a significant step toward inclusive development, Kuvimba Mining House–owned ZimAlloys has engaged the Dolo/Insiza community in a landmark consultative meeting aimed at aligning its chrome mining operations with local aspirations, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
ZimAlloys held a Community Engagement Day with the Insiza community, bringing together traditional leaders, residents, and company representatives. The event marked a new chapter of collaboration between the miner and the community in which it operates.
The meeting comes as ZimAlloys, ramps up chrome extraction activities in the region. However, rather than imposing operations from the boardroom, the company has opted for a bottom-up approach—listening first to the needs of the people whose land and livelihoods are directly affected.
At the heart of the engagement was a candid dialogue about pressing local needs: healthcare access, water security, road infrastructure, and education. Community members emphasized that development must go beyond mineral extraction and address critical social and economic challenges.
Dalindyebo Miso-Mbele, General Manager of ZimAlloys, reassured attendees that the company is committed to working hand-in-hand with the community.
“I would like to thank you all for the work you have done. I represent ZimAlloys, and we have come to extract chrome. We heard your concerns, and we are committed to fulfilling your wishes as we work together to ensure the community is well supported,” Miso-Mbele said.
He further pledged that ZimAlloys would adopt responsible mining practices, including backfilling excavated pits and reforesting mined areas.
“We also promise to replant trees in the areas we mine. Thank you for your warm welcome, and we hope to work together efficiently going forward,” he added.
As a symbol of goodwill, ZimAlloys presented a donation to the community, including a motorcycle, signaling its intent to forge a partnership based on mutual respect and shared benefits.
Respecting the Land and Its People
Chief Chizungu, the traditional leader of the area, welcomed the engagement but was candid about the community’s expectations. He praised President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s efforts to attract investment but stressed the importance of respecting local customs and safety standards.
“I would like to thank President ED Mnangagwa, who invited investors to work with our communities. We agreed on many things, both good and challenging. One agreement was that when digging, miners must respect the community chiefs. We also agreed that they must fill in all pits to prevent danger to children,” said Chief Chizungu.
He expressed optimism that ZimAlloys’ engagement would bring tangible progress, adding:
“I hope we will see progress now that Mr. Miso from ZimAlloys has come here and met with us. We must build our own country, as the President always says, so we do not have to keep asking and asking.”
Beyond Mining: Building Together
ZimAlloys outlined a roadmap that places the community at the center of its operations. Steering committees focusing on infrastructure development, health, education, and employment will be established to ensure local participation in decision-making.
Key proposed projects include:
- Rehabilitation of roads
- Construction and maintenance of a dam to alleviate water shortages
- Installation of dip tanks for livestock health
- Upgrades to local school facilities
The company also committed to supporting local enterprises and promoting employment opportunities for residents within its mining operations.
For ZimAlloys, the success of chrome mining in Insiza will now be measured not just by production output, but by the quality-of-life improvements it brings to the Dolo/Insiza community.
The challenge ahead is clear: to strike a balance between commercial interests and genuine community upliftment. With dialogue now firmly established, the responsibility lies with ZimAlloys to deliver on its promises.
