CHINESE mining company Chengxi Chengetai Mining Investments has donated mining equipment to artisanal and small-scale miners in Shurugwi as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts to empower youths in the sector and boost gold production.
The mining equipment, comprising six-beat hammer mills, complete round mills, 20kV generators, water pumps, boreholes and five complete medium size jaw crushers, is set to benefit over 5 000 miners.
Chengxi general manager Simon Karimanzira said the initiative aligned with the company’s community development philosophy, which focused on identifying local needs and mobilising idle resources to create sustainable growth.
“We believe in asset mapping using idle machinery and untapped human capital for the benefit of the community,” he said.
“Our goal is to ensure communities directly benefit from the natural resources within their areas.
“When we came to Shurugwi, we realised that artisanal and small-scale miners lacked modern equipment, skills and knowledge to be more productive despite being key players in the mining sector.
“We also identified a need for the formalisation of artisanal miners with the goal of creating a more conducive mining environment that is safe for them, safe for the environment and ultimately more productive.”
Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Owen Ncube, who was the guest speaker at the event, described the donation as a model for community-driven empowerment.
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“This showcases the entrenchment of public-private partnerships and joint ventures that bolster GDP (gross domestic product) growth and improvement of community livelihoods through employment creation, production, productivity and increased incomes,” Ncube said.
“The youths have, indeed, been empowered to engage in safe, organised, formal and productive mining where supervision of mining activities by Ema [Environmental Management Agency], the Ministry of Mines and other entities has been enhanced and every ounce of gold will be accounted for through Fidelity [Gold Refinery] in compliance with the Mines and Minerals Act.”
Jessica Zingoma, a beneficiary of the equipment, said the donation came at a time when women miners faced difficulties such as lack of equipment and unsafe working conditions.
“Wandering was more chaotic and unsafe for us women in mining and we really feel empowered by this gesture,” she said.
