This report is by DEMT trained Community EIA Experts on a Public Consultation Meeting on ZhengShen International Mining Company Pvt Ltd (Chinese)

Date: 04/11/2023
Venue: Chisango Village, Kadiki Area (Mining Site)
Time: 11:30

Agenda: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for ZhengShen International Mining Company Pvt Ltd

Participants:

  • Consultant Company: Environmental Eagles, represented by Victor Chamba
  • ZhengShen Representatives:
  • Mr. Peter, Site Manager (Chinese)
  • Mr. Tino Chingoma, Assistant Manager
  • Simbarashe Nengupiwe
  • Cowboy Nzou
  • Stewart

Community Representation:

  • Chisango Village: 18 attendees
  • Chisakuwana: 3 attendees
  • Chibanda: 4 attendees
  • Kamba: 2 attendees
  • Ben: 2 attendees
  • Chirindi School Staff: 3 attendees
  • Gurure Primary School: 1 attendee
  • Paralegal: 1 attendee
  • Headman Kadiki
  • Community EIA Experts: 5 attendees

Proceedings:

  • The meeting commenced with an opening prayer by the Headmaster of Gurure Primary School, followed by traditional salutations.
  • Councilor Mr. Mahara welcomed the audience and participants.
  • Introductions were made, and the councilor explained the purpose of the meeting, which was to conduct a public consultation on the ZhengShen project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
  • Mr. Victor Chamba, representing Environmental Eagles, presented the findings. He stated that the Zimbabwe government has legally accepted ZhengShen as a mining company with rights in the black granite field.
  • The project requires an investment of US $86 million, with the first $43 million to be invested by January 2024, and the remaining $43 million by 2025.

Improved points:

  1. The project is expected to have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, ensuring long-term sustainability and planning.
  2. The project will occupy a land area of 98 hectares, with careful consideration for the potential negative impact on up to 36 households. A clear redress mechanism will be implemented to address the level of impact on each affected household.
  3. Among the 36 households affected, fewer than 10 will be subject to a relocation plan. The company will conduct a comprehensive assessment to understand and address the needs of the affected families.
  4. As part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives, the company has committed to constructing a 2-classroom block, a toilet block, and installing 4 boreholes to benefit the community.
  5. The community has raised several concerns to be addressed in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), including environmental rehabilitation of damaged sites and protection of open pits, fair labor practices, the use of locally available materials (first bricks commons) in constructing the classroom block, disclosure of the project budget, ensuring good bridges on access routes, providing on-site toilets, and additional CSR initiatives such as providing staff housing at Chirindi school and offering scholarships.
  6. The community also emphasizes the importance of observing cultural values, being willing to engage in discussions if grave exhumation becomes necessary, and maintaining continuous engagement throughout the project.
  7. Community members have raised questions about the discovery of other minerals during the mining process. They want to know if the company will declare such findings to the government or engage in unauthorized side marketing.
  8. The community seeks clarification on the specific time frame for the CSR projects and requests that the details be clearly stated in writing.
  9. The community suggests that casual employees should sign contracts, and they would like to know if this practice is already implemented at ZhengShen.

The meeting ended at 2:45pm