Our Environmental Stewardship: Participation
In the third part of our environmental stewardship series, we’re highlighting the essential role community engagement plays in our mission to care for our shared home. From donations and scholarships to community events and educational outreach, we’re dedicated to making a lasting, positive impact on the lives of those around us. Here’s a quick snapshot of some of the ways we proudly support Buckingham County and its residents:
Annual Events:
Gem and Mineral Hunt: Each September, we welcome 'Rockhound' enthusiasts to our mine for a fun day of mineral collecting. Led by QC Manager Mike Morris, the event starts with a safety briefing, then it's hours of hunting on Willis Mountain. Our team is on hand to answer questions, help identify minerals, and ensure everyone's safety. As we continue to mine, new and interesting finds are un-earthed, making it an event the local clubs look forward to year after year!
Trash Day Pick-Up: Every spring, KMC employees are split into teams to help clean up the roads and highways around the mine and surrounding county. This year, we collected 479 bags of trash and 31 tires. We are happy to do our part to help maintain the area’s natural beauty.
Donations, Scholarships, Contests, and Sponsorships:
Gene Dixon Senior Memorial Park: In 1976, Gene Dixon Jr., former KMC President and father of current President Guy Dixon, donated 12.6 acres to Buckingham County. This land became a beloved public park and home to the county’s only public baseball and football fields—a vital gathering place for outdoor recreation and community events. Today, we continue to proudly sponsor park renovations, preserving its legacy as a cherished community hub.
Donations: Each year, KMC donates to over 40 local organizations, from schools and fire departments to food banks and more.
Scholarships: We award the Terrell H. Donovan Scholarship to one exceptional high school student annually, providing $5,000 per year for four years to support their university education.
Disabled Veterans Hunt: For many years, KMC has hosted a deer hunt for disabled veterans on company property. We are very proud to host the event and thank them and all veterans for their service to our country.
Public Outreach and Education:
Our engagement doesn’t stop there. We participate in educational outreach at local schools and rotary clubs, have hosted university students and sponsored their research projects, and periodically offer mine tours that highlight our product and processes. We are actively participating in an internship program where students from a local school get to spend time at KMC on Fridays to learn about job opportunities in the local area.
As the county’s largest private employer and proud residents of this beautiful region, we are deeply committed to giving back to the vibrant Buckingham County we call home.
