A BULAWAYO-BASED Chinese quarry mine, which has for some time been at loggerheads with locals and other stakeholders over its mining activities, says it has made concerted efforts to address a plethora of concerns.
Hualin Investments was given the nod to set up the quarry mine in Pumula North, Bulawayo, in 2021 by the city council and was granted a 10-year contract.
However, Patrick Ndlovu, a Pumula North resident and other stakeholders were opposed to the quarry mining venture when it started.
Quarry is mostly used in construction.
The residents even threatened court action to stop the proposed mining venture.
Among the issues raised by the residents was dust and noise pollution as well as other environmental concerns emanating from quarry blasting activities.
“We have engaged the company on some of the concerns and they have responded to allay our fears,” he said.
Hualin officials said the mining operations were above board after getting the greenlight from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and the Mines and Mining Development ministry.
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“Consultations were held and the majority of residents expressed satisfaction with the mining project,” Rodrick Moyo, the company spokesperson said.
“We held several stakeholder consultations, where the residents were given answers to their fears and questions.”
According to Moyo, dozens of locals have since been employed by the Chinese firm.
“We currently work with the community through a ward development committee and residents associations,” he said.
“We have also engaged civic society organisations, which all serve as an engagement platform to resolve all grievances with the local community.
“As you might be aware, mining as a land use has some incompatibility aspects with a residential area and any other land uses.
“That’s why the Environmental Management Act, the principal legal framework, requires one to submit mitigatory measures to deal with this potential negative impact.”
He admitted that they faced objections from some residents and other stakeholders when they started operations in 2021.
“So, the community risk is a primary concern for us as these are the buyers of the quarry products. After all, they are the target market,” Moyo said.
“Residents of ward 17 have been receiving discounts when buying quarry and donations of quarry in some instances. Schools and local institutions have received donations of quarry and other forms of support.
“As a mine located in an urban area, we work hand-in-hand with the local authority/city council. That’s why, in all corporate social responsibility initiatives we are doing, we require the endorsement of the councillor, be it ward 17, 29, 18, 19, 28 and so forth.”
He said the mining venture was above board.
“This project is required through provisions in Part XI sections 97 to 105 of the Environmental Management Act to acquire an environmental impact assessment (EIA) certificate and meet the necessary conditions before it commences,” Moyo said.
“Haulin Investments underwent all these processes and acquired an EIA certification valid for two years initially as per the law, which expired last May.
“Between May 2023 and March 2024, we have been working on improving process conditions in the mine to have minimal environmental impact until only when EMA renewed our licence recently.”
Fikile Moyo (23) sees the Haulin Investments venture in ward 17 providing job opportunities for him and other jobless youths in the area.
Jobs are scarce as companies either downsize or close shop altogether owing to the harsh economic conditions.
There are no functional job centres where Moyo and other jobless youth can find relevant, up-to-date information about job openings in their area.
“My wish is that the company keeps its promise and continues employing the youth in the area. I desperately need that job,” he said.
