By Staff Reporter
Kuvimba Mining House has been commended by community leaders in Mberengwa District for creating formal employment opportunities for local youths and helping to reduce social challenges in the area.
The mining company, which oversees several strategic mining assets in Zimbabwe, is now wholly owned by the government through the Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF), following the Fund’s acquisition of the remaining private stake initially held by a management consortium.
At a recent community stakeholder meeting facilitated by Silveira House, Village Head Tofara Zimi noted a significant decline in informal mining since Kuvimba began operations in the district.
“Nearly 100 local youths are now in formal employment, receiving regular wages. This has made a real difference for families, particularly in covering school fees and basic household needs,” he said. He also attributed a reduction in drug abuse and petty crime to the increased employment.
Chief Mposi Mupangeri echoed these remarks, pointing to improved community stability. “We’ve seen fewer incidents of violence and disorder. Young people are now productively engaged. We’ve also advised them against returning to illegal small-scale mining,” he said.
However, the Chief raised concerns over water scarcity, calling on mining companies to invest in borehole drilling. He cited growing tensions over the use of the community-owned Gambure Dam, which is being tapped by miners for operational purposes. Villagers say the reduced access to water is affecting their livestock and gardening activities.
The engagement session is part of a wider initiative led by Silveira House to strengthen Environmental Social Governance (ESG) practices and support peaceful dispute resolution in mining communities.
