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Coordinated and published by The Grassroots Institute, the Grassroots Journal of Natural Resources (GJNR) is an international journal dedicated to the latest advancements in natural resources throughout the world. The goal of this journal is to provide a platform for scientists, social scientists, policy analysts, managers and practitioners (on all academic and professional levels) all over the world to promote, discuss and share various new issues and developments in different arenas of natural resources.
Pascal Manyakaidze1, Steven Jerie2, Tapiwa Shabani3, Takunda Shabani*4,
Takunda Davies Mupakamiso5
1aDepartment of Geography, Midlands State University, P. Bag 9055, Gweru, Zimbabwe.
Email: manyakaidzep@staff.msu.ac.zw | ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0355-4239
1bCentre for Information Learning & Knowledge Transfer Department, Local Initiatives & Development (LID) Agency, Shurugwi, Zimbabwe. Email: pascal.manyakaidze@lidagency.org
2Department of Geography, Midlands State University, P. Bag 9055, Gweru, Zimbabwe.
Email: jeries@staff.msu.ac.zw | ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0032-1643
3Centre for Information Learning and Knowledge Transfer Department, Local Initiatives and Development (LID) Agency, Stand 41 Donga Rural Service Centre, Shurugwi, Zimbabwe. Email: research.office@lidagency.org
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3218-5743
4Centre for Information Learning and Knowledge Transfer Department, Local Initiatives & Development (LID) Agency, Stand 41 Donga Rural Service Centre, Shurugwi, Zimbabwe.
Email: research.office@lidagency.org | ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8961-6749
5Department of Geography, Environmental Sustainability and Resilience Building, Midlands State University, P. Bag 9055, Gweru, Zimbabwe. Email: takundamupakamiso7@gmail.com
*Corresponding author
Grassroots Journal of Natural Resources, 8(3): 172-203. Doi: https://doi.org/10.33002/nr2581.6853.080308
Received: 26 August 2025
Reviewed: 28 October 2025
Provisionally Accepted: 30 October 2025
Revised: 20 November 2025
Finally Accepted: 21 November 2025
Published: 29 December 2025
Despite the benefits associated with mining in Zimbabwe, gold, copper, chrome, palladium, platinum, and rhodium mining operations are linked to safety, health and environmental hazards that affect the host communities. Therefore, this research aims to assess the safety, health, and environmental management strategies implemented by Unki Platinum Mine to promote the safety and well-being of the host communities. A mixed-methods research approach that incorporated quantitative and qualitative methods was employed. Semi-structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, field observations, focus group discussions and secondary data sources provided research data. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, and qualitative data were analysed using narrative analysis. Unki Platinum Mine has implemented safety, health, and environmental (SHE) management strategies compliant with national and international standards, including ISO 14001:2015, to safeguard host communities from mining hazards by promoting the principles of sustainable waste management. The mine provides access to clean water through borehole drilling and water quality testing, thereby protecting the community from waterborne diseases associated with the use of polluted water. Unki Platinum Mine provides emergency preparedness, community awareness, feedback mechanisms, and safety protocols to host communities in the event of a hazard. The mine has made significant investments and commitments to safety, health, and environmental sustainability through its social performance programs, which support host communities in thriving. The study developed a continual improvement framework to ensure that host communities derive positive benefits, perceptions, and experiences when interacting with mining operations.
Platinum Mineral Group mining; Community health; Environmental hazards; Safety for mine host communities; Mining hazards
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Manyakaidze, P., Jerie, S., Shabani, T., Shabani, T. and Mupakamiso, T.D. (2025). Safety, Health and Environmental Management Strategies Implemented to Safeguard Unki Platinum Mine’s Host Communities in Shurugwi District, Zimbabwe. Grassroots Journal of Natural Resources, 8(3): 172-203. Doi: https://doi.org/10.33002/nr2581.6853.080308
Manyakaidze, P., Jerie, S., Shabani, T., Shabani, T., & Mupakamiso, T.D. (2025). Safety, Health and Environmental Management Strategies Implemented to Safeguard Unki Platinum Mine’s Host Communities in Shurugwi District, Zimbabwe. Grassroots Journal of Natural Resources, 8(3), 172-203. https://doi.org/10.33002/nr2581.6853.080308
Manyakaidze P., Jerie S., Shabani T., Shabani T., Mupakamiso T.D. Safety, Health and Environmental Management Strategies Implemented to Safeguard Unki Platinum Mine’s Host Communities in Shurugwi District, Zimbabwe. Grassroots Journal of Natural Resources, 2025, 8 (3), 172-203. https://doi.org/10.33002/nr2581.6853.080308
Manyakaidze, Pascal, Jerie, Steven, Shabani, Tapiwa, Shabani, Takunda, Mupakamiso, Takunda Davies. 2025. “Safety, Health and Environmental Management Strategies Implemented to Safeguard Unki Platinum Mine’s Host Communities in Shurugwi District, Zimbabwe”. Grassroots Journal of Natural Resources, 8 no. 3: 172-203. https://doi.org/10.33002/nr2581.6853.080308
Manyakaidze, Pascal, Steven Jerie, Tapiwa Shabani, Takunda Shabani and Takunda Davies Mupakamiso. 2025. “Safety, Health and Environmental Management Strategies Implemented to Safeguard Unki Platinum Mine’s Host Communities in Shurugwi District, Zimbabwe”. Grassroots Journal of Natural Resources, 8 (3): 172-203. https://doi.org/10.33002/nr2581.6853.080308
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