At HOCRR, sustainability is at the core of our operations. We implement the latest innovative and environmentally friendly mining methods to reduce ecological footprints, rehabilitate mining sites, and support local communities through employment, infrastructure development, and social programs. Our goal is to ensure that our mining activities create lasting value for both the company and the communities we operate in.
The traditional leadership, including the Chief and Councillors, play a vital role in these communities, and we are committed to working together for a mutually beneficial future.
Here’s how HOC Rare Resources collaborates with the Chief and Councillors:
Open Communication: We maintain regular communication channels with the Chief and Councillors, ensuring they are informed about our mining operations and plans. This fosters trust and transparency in our relationship.
Community Development Initiatives: We actively collaborate with the Chief and Councillors to identify and support sustainable development initiatives within the community. This may include projects related to education, healthcare, infrastructure development, or skills training programs.
Respecting Cultural Heritage: We acknowledge and respect the cultural heritage of the Silalatshani-Filabusi community. We work closely with the Chief and Councillors to ensure our operations are conducted in a way that is sensitive to traditional practices and values.
Benefit-Sharing Agreements: We collaborate with the Chief and Councillors to establish transparent benefit-sharing agreements that ensure the community receives a fair share of the economic benefits generated by our mining operations.
Sustainability Initiatives and Community Engagement at HOC Rare Resources
HOC Rare Resources is committed to sustainable practices and fostering positive relationships with the local communities surrounding its Silalatshani-Filabusi mine. The company’s initiatives demonstrate a dedication to environmental protection and community development.
Sustainability Initiatives:
HOC Rare Resources undertakes several key sustainability initiatives:
- Environmental Clean-up Campaigns: The company organizes monthly clean-up campaigns, providing necessary transport and materials. A recent campaign on January 6, 2024, at Salabuhwa business center, saw participation from community members, council members, and Chief Mntunzi, highlighting collaborative efforts. While successful, the campaign also identified challenges like the lack of recycling bins, which the company aims to address.
- Tree Donation: HOC Rare Resources donates trees to local schools, contributing to environmental conservation and potentially creating shade and improving school environments.
- COVID-19 Support: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company donated masks and sanitizers, demonstrating a commitment to community health and safety.
- Irrigation Support: The mine assists local irrigation projects by providing machinery and transport, supporting local agriculture and food security.
- Job Creation: HOC Rare Resources creates employment opportunities for local people, both directly and indirectly. Direct employment refers to individuals working directly for the mine. Indirect employment refers to those employed by service providers contracted by the mine, like Sifiso Nancube, highlighting the broader economic impact.
- Open Communication and Collaboration with Traditional Leadership: The company maintains open communication channels with the Chief and Councillors, ensuring transparency and fostering trust. This collaboration extends to identifying and supporting sustainable community development initiatives in areas like education, healthcare, infrastructure, and skills training.
- Respect for Cultural Heritage: HOC Rare Resources acknowledges and respects the cultural heritage of the Silalatshani-Filabusi community, working closely with traditional leaders to ensure operations are sensitive to local practices and values.
- Benefit-Sharing Agreements: The company establishes transparent benefit-sharing agreements with the Chief and Councillors, ensuring the community receives a fair share of the economic benefits generated by mining operations.
Community Engagement:
HOC Rare Resources prioritizes community engagement through:
- Partnerships with Local Organizations: The company actively partners with local organizations, including traditional leadership (Chief and Councillors), to contribute to community development. This collaborative approach ensures projects are aligned with community needs and priorities.
- Testimonials from Local Community Members: Testimonials from community members, including the Sabhuku (village head), Chief, and Councillor, are available on this video link https://gallery.inspiraremedia.com/theafricanmythmines/video/. These testimonials offer firsthand accounts of the positive impacts of the company’s projects on the community.
By combining environmental stewardship with active community engagement and collaboration, HOC Rare Resources strives to create a positive and sustainable impact in the Silalatshani-Filabusi area.
On 6 January 2024, HOC Rare Resources conducted a clean up campaign. This campaign was conducted to promote awareness among the community about the importance of keeping the environment clean.
This campaign was conducted for 2 hours from 7am to 9am.
This campaign was held at the Salabuhwa business center and around the area. The aim of this campaign is to promote awareness among the community about the importance of keeping the environment clean, The other community members of the area helped us to condudt this campaign this include the council members, and Chief Mntunzi, Mr Mathuthu the councilor .
Even though the campaign can be describe as a success, but there are certain challenges that occurred such lack of recycle bin for the business center . We hope to provide the community with more recycle bins to be placed around the shop on the strategic areas
