Abstract:
An empirical investigation on the acceptance of Chinese mining activities in rural
Zimbabwe was done for this article. Its two main goals were to: (1) assess public opinion
of Chinese mining operations; and (2) present a workable investment model that takes
into account the main locals’ complaints. Additionally, it touched on two related issues
of concern: (1) what causes host community disputes with foreign mining companies in
rural Zimbabwe; and (2) what investment model may be used to settle host community
disputes between investors and host communities? It then assessed Chinese mining
investments against the 3Ps of the Triple Bottom Line theory (TBL). Created by John
Elkington in 1994, TBL recommends a balance between people, profitability, and
the planet (environmental conservation) in business operations. Based on the study’s somewhat negative findings, the article created the PESE investment model (short-
cut for people, environment, social, and economy) which it is presenting as an ideal
framework that may have broader application for sustainable investment in Zimbabwe’s
mining industry.
