Small mines come through for US$12bn industry
MEDIUM and small-scale mining entities like the Chikonga Mine in Odzi are crucial in the attainment of a US$12 billion mining industry by 2023, a Cabinet Minister has said.
As Government ramped up efforts to increase the sector’s contribution to the economy, President Mnangagwa in October 2019 launched a strategic roadmap that seeks to ensure the mining industry will be generating an annual revenue of US$12 billion by 2023.
The mining sector contributes about 70 percent of the country’s foreign currency earnings.
The projected increase in revenue represents a 344 percent jump from the US$2, 7 billion recorded in 2017.
Speaking at the official opening of Chikonga Mine on Wednesday, Mines and Mining Development Minister, Winston Chitando said the remarkable progress made at Chikonga Mine is evidence that medium and small-scale mining is crucial in the attainment of the US$12 billion industry.
Plus or minus 10 tonnes of gold ore is crushed at the mine every day.
Chikonga Mine, a subsidiary of Hilltouch Investments, is wholly owned by Mr Lufeyi Shato and his wife, Ms Joyce Kujenga.
“We should always remember that accomplishing big things in any sphere of life is not easy. It is a journey that requires discipline, hard work and dedication.
“This is exactly what we believe happened here at Chikonga Mine. What we have here is something that should be respected. This is exactly what we are expecting from small and medium-scale miners in our pursuit for Vision 2023.
“We want to see this mine developing into a large scale mine. We wish the same for mines in Manicaland and Zimbabwe at large,” said Minister Chitando.
He applauded Chikonga Mine’s management for channelling their gold to Fidelity Printers as well as their efforts in preserving the environment through proper mining systems.
Mr Shato said he took over the deserted Chikonga Mine in 2005.
At that time the only structure at the site was a dilapidated apartment that was meant for both office and residential purposes.
Having electrified the area in 2010, the Shatos acquired a stamp mill, thereby marking the beginning of serious gold mining.
By 2012, Chikonga Mine had managed to set up a fully equipped milling section with a German stamp mill, a roller mill and a hummer mill, all installed at a total cost of US$71 000.
Fifteen years down the line, Chikonga Mine