SAMUEL NJINGA IN MASVINGO
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged miners to develop communities they operate in.
Mnangagwa made the remarks at the recent ground-breaking ceremony of Bikita Minerals Spodumene project.
He said an intricate balance must be reached and the firming of global mineral prices and resultant financial benefits should enhance the scope for mining houses to implement various corporate social responsibility programmes, towards leaving a lasting legacy in host communities.
“Mining companies must be good corporate citizens, with the Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental, Social, and Governance aspects being critical components of their entities. Tangible socio-economic advantages and benefits should accrue to the societies in which the miners operate,” Mnangagwa said.
He said companies should listen to their host communities and address their concerns when undertaking their ventures.
“Communities must, on the other hand, equally appreciate that investors are indispensable partners to the realisation of sustainable development and a higher quality of life for all.”
Mnangagwa said the safety and treatment of employees is also a key component.
“Mining houses must continually thrive to be model employers by treating and remunerating their workers appropriately,” he said.
