ZMF’s ESG Vision Realized Through Murasta Mining’s Community and Educational Investments

Henrietta Rushwaya

The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) has achieved a significant milestone in its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy through the efforts of Mrasta Mining, which has incorporated ZMF’s tailor-made ESG framework for the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector. This was revealed by ZMF President Ms Henrietta Rushwaya in an interview with Mining Zimbabwe.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The ZMF President commended Mrasta Mining’s Managing Director, Johane Sithole, for his company’s impactful contributions to the community, particularly in the education sector.

According to Rushwaya, Mrasta Mining’s recent investments in local schools exemplify the practical implementation of ZMF’s ESG strategy, specifically designed for the ASM sector. She praised the company’s dedication to responsible mining and community development, emphasizing its alignment with the Federation’s vision for sustainable and socially responsible mining in Zimbabwe.

“This is very encouraging, especially when it’s coming from a miner—let alone a former student of the school. As part of our ZMF ESG strategy, he has successfully incorporated the social aspect, which focuses on an organization’s impact on people, including staff, learners, and the community. Well done, Mrasta Mining,” she said.

ZMF has been proactive in crafting an ESG strategy tailored to Zimbabwe’s ASM sector. This strategy, unveiled at the recent ZMF Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Conference in Harare, aligns with international standards and government efforts to promote responsible mining. During the conference, Rushwaya emphasized that ZMF’s ESG strategy prioritizes human rights, safety, environmental preservation, and community impact—all essential for ensuring mining activities contribute to sustainable national development. Murasta Mining’s initiatives in Sanyathi District, Mashonaland West, are a prime example of this vision being realized.

Mrasta Mining, led by Johane Sithole, has made significant strides in aligning its operations with ZMF’s ESG framework. The company recently invested over US$25,000 in Dubungwani Primary School, constructing a state-of-the-art administration block, installing solar power, providing new furniture, and drilling a borehole to supply clean water to the school.

These efforts have received widespread acclaim from the local community. At the handover ceremony, Dubungwani Primary School headmaster Mr. Munashe Mashizha expressed his gratitude for Mrasta Mining’s contributions.

“Today, we are very happy and grateful to have Mrasta Mining here. The new administration block will transform our operations, providing a better working environment for staff and a space to effectively manage the school,” said Mashizha. He also highlighted the solar-powered block’s role in enabling the school to introduce information and communications technology (ICT) tools, enhancing learning for students in this rural area.

Ward 8 Councillor Freedom Matawa echoed these sentiments, noting that Murasta Mining’s contributions align with President Mnangagwa’s vision of national development driven by local initiatives.

“We commend Mrasta for ploughing back into the community, following the President’s vision that the country should be built by its own people,” Matawa remarked.

Local resident Vongai Chipfombo Mavedzengi also praised Murasta’s investment in education, urging other small-scale miners to follow suit.

“We want to thank Murasta Mining and Johane Sithole for building this state-of-the-art administration block. Other nearby schools envy what has been done here. We urge other small-scale miners to improve education in rural areas,” Mavedzengi said.

Mrasta Mining’s efforts in Sanyati District reflect ZMF’s broader ESG strategy, which addresses the unique challenges faced by Zimbabwe’s ASM sector. During the ZMF AGM, Rushwaya noted that the government, led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has initiated a Responsible Mining Audit to ensure mining activities are conducted in a way that protects the environment and the communities in which they operate.

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Rushwaya stressed that responsible mining is essential to achieving national goals, such as delivering 40 tonnes of gold to Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR). She emphasized the need for small-scale miners to prioritize environmental safety and sustainability, such as properly collaring shafts and ensuring effective drainage systems.

“To achieve responsible mining, Zimbabwe’s ASM sector needs an ESG strategy tailored to its specific challenges. This includes a focus on decarbonization, water stewardship, and human dignity in mining operations,” said Rushwaya.

ZMF’s ESG strategy also promotes responsible sourcing of minerals, aligning with international frameworks such as the European Union’s RE-SOURCING project, which emphasizes mitigating social and environmental impacts throughout the mining value chain.

Murasta Mining’s Managing Director, Johane Sithole, believes mining companies, particularly in the ASM sector, have a responsibility to give back to their communities.

“Education is the foundation of development. By investing in the education of children today, we are creating a skilled and knowledgeable workforce for tomorrow,” Sithole said.

Sithole’s vision for Mrasta Mining extends beyond resource extraction, aiming to leave a lasting, positive legacy that contributes to the long-term social and economic development of the community.

His efforts align seamlessly with ZMF’s ESG vision, which emphasizes investments in local communities, particularly in education, health, and infrastructure. By following this model, other small-scale miners can also contribute to the well-being of their communities while ensuring sustainable and responsible mining practices.

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