Chrome mining boon for Shurugwi families

In a major step toward community empowerment and inclusive resource management, Shurugwi North legislator Joseph Mpasi has launched an ambitious mining initiative aimed at directly benefiting local families in the mineral-rich district of Shurugwi.

The programme, recently launched in Ward 16 (Zvumwa), is expected to benefit more than 500 families through the establishment of chrome mining consortiums - a move hailed by local residents who have long demanded transparency and participation in the region's booming mining sector.

"The community is appreciative of our mining programme," said Mpasi during the launch. "Over 500 families are benefiting from these chrome mining consortiums. We want to talk less and act more. My main goal is to empower communities, especially the marginalised."

Mpasi, a strong proponent of community-driven development, said the initiative was part of a broader plan to ensure that locals are not sidelined in the exploitation of natural resources. He noted that in the past, villagers had expressed frustration over "migrants" reaping the benefits of local minerals while communities remained in poverty.

"People came to us complaining that outsiders were extracting minerals," Mpasi said. "But under the Second Republic, no one will be left behind. Every person has the right to benefit from the mineral resources found in their community."

The chrome mining programme will soon expand to other wards, he said, with an emphasis on equitable access, community ownership, and sustainable development.

While encouraging villagers to seize the opportunities presented by the mining programme, the MP also urged them to operate responsibly.

"We must be sensitive to the environment," he said. "This is not just about extraction - it's about building our communities. I encourage people to reinvest mining proceeds into infrastructure, education, and local development."

A Shift Toward Inclusive Mining Policy

The move comes at a time when Zimbabwe's mining sector - a key pillar of the economy - is under pressure to improve transparency, protect the environment, and empower local communities.

Shurugwi, known for its vast mineral deposits including gold, platinum, and chrome, has often been a flashpoint for conflicts between mining companies and residents over land use and resource sharing.

By forming local consortiums and enabling direct community participation in the mining value chain, Mpasi's initiative could serve as a model for inclusive, community-centered mining practices across the country.

The programme is also expected to contribute to local employment, improve livelihoods, and reduce poverty in rural areas often left behind by large-scale commercial operations.