Silobela firm doubles gold production, diversifies

Source: The Chronicle – Breaking news

 

Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube

Patrick Chitumba, patrick.chitumba@chronicle.co.zw

ZIMBABWE’S mining industry continues to receive a massive buy-in from small-scale miners amid indications that a Silobela-based mining firm has doubled its gold production output in the last three years with the community now enjoying the spin-offs from the mining venture.

Located some 60 kilometres west of the Kwekwe City is the Silver Comet Mine, which is taking full advantage of the Second Republic’s enhanced business environment to grow its business.

This positive trajectory is marked by the creation of jobs, increased investments and an ambitious drive to position the sector as a thriving US$12 billion export industry.

Zimbabwe is endowed with abundant mineral resources ranging from gold, platinum, diamonds and lithium, among others.

With the opening of new projects and a focused approach to economic development, the sector is poised to play a significant role in contributing to the growth of the national economy.

Gold

In an interview, Silver Comet manager, Ms Rutendo Tachiona commended the Government and the community for their unwavering support.

“We are very grateful for the support we are enjoying from the community leaders and the Government.

Through our expansion efforts, we are proud to be contributing plus or minus a kilogramme of gold to Fidelity per month,” she said.

Ms Tachiona said the mining firm, which has since diversified into hotel and tourism services in its quest to promote the Government’s rural tourism drive, now employs 150 workers with several projects earmarked for the development of the community on the cards.

“We are expanding our businesses through the construction of lodges and hotels. We are working with the community where we are drilling boreholes and building classroom blocks at Government schools as part of our corporate social responsibility programme,” she said. 

Ms Tachiona said the company was operating in the community and as such the community must also benefit hence the CSR programme.

The community is beginning to enjoy benefits from the mining firm according to Mr Innocent Mwale an employee.

“I must say life was difficult back then but I am now employed by the mine. I am now able to fend for my family and meet other financial obligations. What is of interest is that three-quarters of the people employed at this mine are locals. We are also enjoying several benefits as a community,” he said.

Another worker, Mr Privilege Shumba, said the company has managed to provide him with knowledge and experience related to proper mining.

“When I joined this company, I knew absolutely nothing with regards to mining activities. Of late, I am proud that I have mastered several techniques through in-house training,” he said. 

“I am proud to say I can as well go out there and start my own projects through the knowledge I have gained here.” Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Owen Ncube, said the Government will continue to empower locals who have the vision to develop the country.

“What we have seen at this mine is a clear indication that indigenous  people can deliver the much-needed results as we angle to reach an  upper middle-income society by 2030,” he said. 

“This is the vision of our able leader President Mnangagwa. Let us remain resolute as we seek solutions to all our problems. Let me take this opportunity to warn those who use violence in mining communities.”

Minister Ncube said there is no room for machete-wielding gangs as the Government wants sanity in mining communities. 

“Those who engage in such activities be warned because the long arm of the law will descend on you,” he said.