Story by Tafara Chikumira
A Lower Gweru-based miner has defied the odds, rising from artisanal mining to owning a multimillion-dollar gold operation, a success he attributes to empowerment policies introduced under the Second Republic.
This comes as statistics show that small-scale miners now contribute around 75 percent of Zimbabwe’s annual gold output.
Born Tawanda Muchenurwa 52 years ago in rural Chivi, Masvingo Province, his passion for treasure hunting began during his school days when he scoured the Runde River for gold.
Muchenurwa later worked at Zim Alloys, where he refined his mining skills, before leaving formal employment to venture into artisanal mining in the Shurugwi mountains.
His determination enabled him to save enough money to register a mining claim in Lower Gweru, where he eventually set up what would become a thriving gold mine.
Today, the mine, known as Birthday Mine, directly employs more than 100 workers and contributes over 1.5 kilogrammes of gold per month to the national reserves.
“It has been a long journey. I bought this mine in 2016 when it was just a mountain. I used savings from my artisanal mining days to set up operations. My major breakthrough came after the establishment of the Second Republic in 2018, when more opportunities opened up for indigenous miners. I secured a loan and began proper mining.
“We are aligned with the President’s vision. While he speaks of Vision 2030, we are already looking beyond. We have acquired modern machinery for underground mining, and by next year I am aiming to contribute at least 10kg of gold per month,” he said.
Local communities have also benefitted from the mine, with many residents securing employment and improving their livelihoods.
“The dream of every graduate is to get a job. Being employed here has been a major milestone. I now support my husband in meeting family needs and even assist my siblings with school fees,” said employee Mrs Brilliant Shumba.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to work here. I have developed new skills and no longer struggle to pay my children’s school fees. This job has empowered me,” added another employee, Mr Ikabot Chadza.
Muchenurwa’s journey is a testament to resilience and perseverance, demonstrating how humble beginnings can grow into life-changing success.
With the country surpassing its annual 40-tonne gold target, small-scale miners like Muchenurwa continue to play a crucial role, contributing around 75 percent of gold delivered to the national bullion reserves.
