Story by Tamuka Charakupa
THE government through Magaya Mining, has handed over mining equipment to artisanal miners in Chegutu in a move aimed at formalising the sector and increasing gold production.
The Pickstone Artisanal Mining Scheme (PAMS) in Ward 25 of Chegutu has received a major boost in its formalisation efforts with the official handover of 14 compressors, 45 windlasses, and four generators.
This initiative is part of a collaborative effort between Magaya Mining, Dallaglio Mining, and the local community to empower artisanal miners and promote sustainable mining practices.
The latest development is expected to strengthen compliance with standard mining procedures, particularly around safety regulations and operational efficiency.
“We started our operation in 2024 with just 20 miners through formalisation but we have since grown to 150 members. Formalisation is also key in promoting safety within the sector as it ensures compliance to industry code of conduct and operations,” Brown Hill Artisanal Mining Engineer Jonathan Mapangisana said.
“As AC Mining we have transformed from being ‘makorokoza’ to a big company now employing over 800 local people from 30 when we began our operations. Formalisation has enabled us to access loans and working capital to buy mining equipment and machinery,” AC Mining representative, Ms Shingai Chikwanda said.
“What this means is that we have reduced the scourge of drug and substance abuse while also ensuring that women participate in economic affairs which also goes a long way in fighting gender-based violence in our communities,” the local Councillor for Ward 25, Mr Never Moyo said.
According to Magaya Mining Managing Director, Emmanuel Nhende, the formalisation drive is part of the government’s efforts to unlock the potential of artisanal miners and promote economic growth.
“We are heeding the call by His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa that ‘Nyika Inovakwa neVene Vayo’. We want to empower our communities by ensuring that they formalise their operations. Currently the artisanal has progressed well with several shafts having reached around 15 meters into development. A total of 59 shafts have commenced development, with an average depth of 8 meters, and the target production depth is 20 meters. The Magaya Mining model will ensure the provision of transport to carry the ores from mining site to an already existing Milling Centre (PMC) where they would be charged a nominal fee for milling while they retain the free gold to themselves,” he said.
The Minister of State for Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Marian Chombo, applauded the stakeholder approach in promoting formalisation of mining activities in the province.
“I am impressed by the fact that mining activities are now being spearheaded by our local communities. Formalisation of mining activities is promoting safety because we are no longer receiving reports of trapped miners or cases of violence in mines. Our local currency is gold-backed hence we applaud efforts by small-scale and artisanal miners on our gold outputs. We continue to call for the full implementation of the all-stakeholder approach and promotion of public-private partnerships in national development,” she said.
Minister Chombo emphasised the importance of environmental conservation and rehabilitation after mining activities, calling on miners to ensure they leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
“We should strive to ensure that we rehabilitate our environment so that we leave a lasting legacy to the generations to come. Magaya Mining have set an example and I now appeal to other local miners to emulate this formalisation gesture so that we do not only reap financial benefits but also ensure that we maintain a positive ecosystem,” she added.
Mining production in Mashonaland West currently contributes around 16% of the province’s GDP.
