Source: US$2m tech boost creates 1 000 jobs. . . Revolutionises Inyathi mine’s operations – herald
Sikhulekelani Moyo
INYATHI-based Waterwitch Mine is rewriting the playbook for small to medium sized mining operations in Zimbabwe, injecting over US$2 million into cutting edge technology.
This strategic investment is not only driving increased productivity and bolstering worker safety but has also generated 200 jobs, empowered 800 individuals through, upskilled the existing workforce, provided crucial support to neighbouring mines, and earmarked ten percent of revenue for the construction of vital local schools and infrastructure.
The mine, which had struggled for decades since its establishment in 1983, has undergone a remarkable transformation since 2021 under the stewardship of the Kaguru family, whose strategic focus on innovation has revitalised the once-dormant gold operation.
This turnaround comes at a time when the mining sector, projected to anchor the country’s Vision 2030 economic goals, is pushing for increased formalisation and mechanisation, particularly among small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), which account for a significant portion of gold deliveries to Fidelity Gold Refinery.
During a technical visit by the Junior Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe on Friday, attended by experts from How Mine, the Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM), financial institutions, and mining equipment suppliers, Waterwitch Mine showcased its new approach to sustainable mining.
Speaking during the tour, the mine’s finance director, Engineer Gilbert Kaguru, said the adoption of modern equipment and expert-driven practices had considerably improved operational efficiency and turned around the mine’s fortunes.
He said they acquired a drill rig that enables precise underground exploration guided by geological surveys. This eliminates the guesswork that characterises most small-scale mining and creates a more sustainable and safer working environment.
“We have about 134 community-run shafts, and we assist local miners with compressors, drilling equipment, and explosives. After milling and selling gold to Fidelity Printers and Refiners, we share the proceeds. This has helped create sustainable incomes for many families.
“Our growth path has been to improve production and to achieve that, we have had to utilise technology, particularly buying a drill rig, which allows us to do exploration underground so that we don’t blind drive. We are guided by information that we derive from geological surveys underground,” said Engineer Kaguru.
In addition to the drill rig, the mine has purchased locomotives, cocopans, rails, and a hoist system from China.
A new milling plant is also on the way, aimed at scaling up processing capacity.
“The whole idea is to build a sustainable, environmentally friendly mining operation that benefits both the community and the country. We’re laying the correct foundation for long-term growth, and that begins with doing things right from the start,” said Engineer Kaguru.
Waterwitch Mine employs over 200 full-time workers, the majority of whom come from surrounding communities.
It also supports about 800 additional people through various empowerment programmes, including access to equipment, milling services, and profit-sharing schemes for small-scale miners operating under its umbrella.
“In addition to 200 employees, we also support about 800 people from the community, and we have another community beyond that whom we assist. We provide compressors, drilling equipment, and explosives,” said
Engineer Kaguru.
The mine also supports the nearby Mafukata community by providing equipment and guidance for their mining activities.Ten percent of the revenue generated is channelled into building local schools and other infrastructure.
As part of efforts to improve technical capacity, Waterwitch sends its staff for learning exchanges with large-scale mining firms.
The company also collaborates with ZSM to ensure more youth are trained and absorbed into the sector. Notably, two of its engineers are women, a move aimed at promoting gender inclusivity.
How Mine’s mining manager, Engineer Nkosini Ntini, commended Waterwitch Mine’s model and urged other players in the sector to follow suit.
“Miners should invest in their production through employing skills and technology to improve production and promote safety and health,” he said.
Engineer Ntini said exploration is key to resource management and urged financial institutions to support such initiatives to promote responsible mining.
The mining sector is crucial to the country’s economic ambitions, contributing over 60 percent of export earnings.
Gold remains the country’s top mineral by value, and small-to-medium-scale miners have, in recent years, overtaken large-scale producers in deliveries to the central bank’s gold buying unit.However, this sub-sector faces numerous challenges, including limited access to capital, outdated equipment, and safety concerns.
The Government, through the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, has been promoting the formalisation and mechanisation of artisanal and small-scale miners to ensure sustainability, reduce accidents, and increase accountability in mineral production.
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