Staff Writer
HARARE – DALNY Mine, operated by PALATIAL Gold Investments, a subsidiary of RioZim, has shifted from care and maintenance to a community-driven tribute mining model that is reviving the Chakari economy and restoring livelihoods.
The initiative, which comprises several active tributes has effectively ended a period of economic “darkness” for the Chakari community, which had been left without a source of livelihood following the mine’s initial closure.
On average, each tribute employs approximately 60 small-scale miners drawn directly from the local community.
This collective effort has successfully accommodated thousands of workers who were previously unemployed, creating a sustainable “bottom-up” economic recovery.
Speaking during a site tour, head of operations, Nirav Kumbhar, said the company introduced the tribute scheme to benefit both the community and the firm, ensuring a sustainable source of income for local families.
“Initially, when the mine went under care and maintenance, the Chakari community went into darkness. There were no livelihood and no business flourishing,” Kumbhar said.
“We have given out tributes whereby people are allowed to do mining. The company provides them a plant to mill their ores and transport to carry their ores from the tributes to the mines free of cost.”
Kumbhar emphasized that the modest benefits accrued by the company are reinvested into essential community infrastructure and for the upliftment of projects such as the clinic, maternity ward, and water distribution plant, which supplies the community.
The socio-economic impact of the scheme has also extended to the fight against substance abuse.
Dawn Mine general manager, Mukudzei Nyevedzanai a beneficiary of the tribute system, noted that the programme has absorbed approximately 90 percent of the local unemployed workforce.
Nyevedzanai said the disciplined nature of the mining operations, coupled with strict testing for alcohol and drugs, has acted as a deterrent to the “drug menace” currently affecting many communities.
“When someone is occupied, you don’t find cases like that mostly. We do tests for alcohol and some drugs. Once they take drugs, obviously, they are out of employment,” Nyevedzanai said.
On the production front, operations are on an upward trajectory.
Nyevedzanai reported that production at his site has ramped up from 40 tonnes to 60 tonnes per shift, with a target of 78 tonnes in sight.
Despite the increase in output, management maintains a “safety-first” approach, utilizing advanced ventilation systems and strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
“Our trust is to make sure the area is safe. We have standard operating procedures which are followed religiously. We don’t have many incidents; we are doing okay,” Nyevedzanai added.
Another beneficiary, Brandon Dube, said they had managed to employ over 120 miners.
“We have contracted more than 120 small-scale miners under tribute agreements. These miners have seen significant improvements in their livelihoods through these tributes, which in turn helps bolster the local economy.
“Additionally, we prioritize employing youth from the local community to provide them with stable opportunities and steer them away from unproductive activities,” he said.
For Patson Watson, the tribute scheme has been life-changing.
“I am grateful that since I began working here last year, I have been able to provide for my children,” he said.
“My life has transformed, and I encourage other small-scale miners to join this initiative.”
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