As Mimosa Mining Company marks its centennial milestone since the first platinum extraction in 1926, the platinum group metals (PGM) producer is receiving widespread acclaim for its transformative corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts and deep-rooted commitment to uplifting the communities of Zvishavane, Mberengwa, and the broader Midlands Province. At the 2025 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show in Harare, traditional leaders, parliamentarians, and community members lauded Mimosa for its sustainable mining practices and impactful community development initiatives, particularly in education, livestock revitalization, and environmental stewardship.
A Century of Mining Excellence
Mimosa, Zimbabwe’s oldest platinum mine, located on the Great Dyke in the Wedza sub chamber, 32km west of Zvishavane, has grown from its humble beginnings in 1926, when 60 ounces of platinum were extracted from oxides, to a modern operation producing approximately 120,000 ounces of platinum annually. Now jointly owned by Sibanye-Stillwater and Impala Platinum (Implats), the mine processes around 2.8 million tonnes of ore each year, yielding not only platinum but also rhodium, palladium, ruthenium, gold, silver, iridium, nickel, copper, and cobalt. The company’s focus on sustainability and community investment has solidified its reputation as a responsible corporate citizen, setting it apart in an industry often criticized for its environmental and social impacts.
Community Voices: A Legacy of Empowerment
At the Mining Village exhibit during the 2025 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, Chief Mapanzure, a traditional leader from Zvishavane, praised Mimosa’s contributions to local livelihoods. “Mimosa has touched so many lives and uplifted the Zvishavane, Mberengwa communities, and the Midlands Province at large,” he told Great Dyke News. He highlighted the transformative impact of the company’s Livestock Revitalization Programme, which has bolstered communal farming through the donation of over 500 pedigree bulls and 300 heifers since 2015, alongside infrastructure upgrades like refurbished dip tanks and boreholes for clean water.
Chief Mapanzure described the relationship between Mimosa and the community as akin to a “father and his son-in-law,” emphasizing the company’s responsiveness to community needs, often exceeding expectations with unexpected support.
“The Livestock Revitalization Programme has transformed livestock farming in our district. Communal farmers now have access to better cattle breeds, improving their herds and livelihoods,” he said. Additionally, he commended Mimosa’s investments in education, including the construction of classroom blocks at schools, as well as infrastructure improvements at institutions like the Zimbabwe School of Mines, University of Zimbabwe, Midlands State University, and Great Zimbabwe University.
Parliamentary Endorsement
Honourable Vimbayi Mutokonyi, Member of Parliament for Marondera East Constituency, echoed these sentiments after touring Mimosa’s stand at the Agricultural Show.
“I was very much impressed with Mimosa, where they show their CSR, building a clinic in Mberengwa and addressing a lot of environmental aspects,” he said. Mutokonyi emphasized Mimosa’s alignment with the “three Ps” of sustainability—people, profit, and planet—noting, “They are mining sustainably, meaning we need to conserve.” His remarks underscore Mimosa’s holistic approach to balancing economic viability with social and environmental responsibility.
Livestock Revitalization: A Game-Changer for Rural Communities
Mimosa’s Livestock Revitalization Programme, launched in 2015, has become a cornerstone of its CSR efforts. The program has donated over 400 pedigree bulls and 130 heifers to 21 chiefs across Zvishavane and Mberengwa, directly benefiting communal farmers.
The program has also introduced artificial insemination since 2020 to enhance animal genetics, resulting in healthier, more valuable breeds. In 2022 alone, Mimosa donated 100 cattle (50 bulls and 50 heifers) to communities in Mhondongori Ward 5 and Kromedraai Ward 19. Additionally, Mimosa has refurbished dip tanks and drilled boreholes, ensuring clean water for both livestock and communities, while supporting nutritional gardens that provide income and food security.
Environmental Stewardship and Innovation
Mimosa’s environmental initiatives have also garnered attention. The company recently completed a US$75 million Tailings Storage Facility (TSF-4), designed to manage waste sustainably for the mine’s remaining lifespan and potentially retreat older tailings dams. The facility, covering 175 hectares and constructed by local contractors, includes a recreational park with introduced wildlife, aiming to create a lasting legacy for communities post-mining.
A Model for Responsible Mining
Mimosa’s century-long journey reflects a rare success story in African mining, where community goodwill and sustainable practices have fostered a mutually beneficial relationship. As Chief Mapanzure and Honourable Mutokonyi highlighted at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, Mimosa’s CSR initiatives—spanning livestock revitalization, education, and environmental innovation—have set a benchmark for responsible mining. With ongoing investments and government backing, Mimosa is poised to continue its legacy of transforming lives while navigating the challenges of a dynamic global market.
