Story by Courage Bushe
OVER 5000small-scale miners in Shurugwi District have benefitted from a US$1 million mining equipment facility, as the government steps up efforts to boost youth and women participation in the extractive sector.
Recognised as a key foreign currency earner, the mining sector continues to receive focused support under the Second Republic, which is driving growth through beneficiation and value addition of Zimbabwe’s mineral resources.
It is with this growth trajectory in mind that youths in Shurugwi District who are into small-scale mining have been capacitated by local mining giant, Chengxi Investments.
The gesture, which is part of efforts to promote community-led development, will see young people taking a giant step in contributing to the national development agenda.
“We want to thank Chengxi Investments for this developmental programme because it has given us new hope and belief. In the past, we were faced with a lot of challenges, among them was the shortage of mining equipment,” a beneficiary said.
“This project will not only empower us as women but will play a key role in achieving Vision 2030, and we are happy to play a part in it,” a female miner said.
The move is part of efforts to formalise the small to medium-scale mining sector and cultivate a culture where locals take the lead in contributing to the mainstream economy.
“We are focusing on identifying community needs and devising action plans tailored to them. We also believe in asset mapping, that is, using idle machinery and untapped human capital for the benefit of the community,” Chengxi Investments General Manager, Mr Simon Karimanzira said.
The initiative has been identified as key to improving livelihoods while contributing to the growth of the mining sector.
“The initiative is part and parcel of the government’s vision of leaving no one and no place behind in its developmental programmes. The project has received a buy-in from the local community because it’s changing their lives. We want this project to play a key role in supporting the mining industry vision,” Shurugwi North Legislator, Honourable Joseph Mpasi said.
“This showcases the entrenchment of Public-Private Partnerships and Joint Ventures that bolster GDP growth and improvement of community livelihoods through employment creation, production, productivity, and increased incomes. The youth have indeed been empowered to engage in safe, organised, formal, and productive mining where supervision of mining activities by EMA, the Ministry of Mines, and other entities has been enhanced, and every ounce of our precious minerals will be accounted for through Fidelity,” Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube said.
The government has shown commitment to promoting the participation of youths and women in the mining sector through providing equipment and creating an enabling environment.
