Story by Theophilus Chuma
MASSIVE exploration and expansion work at Shamva Gold Mine in Mashonaland Central province is expected to produce over 2 000 kilogrammes of the precious mineral within the next five years, which will contribute at least 10% to the US$12 billion mining economy.
Three years after resuming operations, production at Shamva Gold Mine is at full throttle and averaging about 45 000 tonnes of ore, a standard last achieved almost a century ago.
The mine was commissioned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2020 as a strategic component of the country’s mining sector.
The gold mining firm is currently working on one of its major projects, the Shamva Hill Open Pit, and two other projects.
“We have set our sights to develop this mine into one of the biggest mines in Zimbabwe. We have the Shamva Hill project where we have completed exploration work and the other expansion on the eastern side of the mine,” noted Shamva Gold Mine General Manager, Engineer Gift Mapakame.
“So, all of that should bring our output to at least 3 600 kg of gold annually. That is our target and we are confident that we will be able to achieve this.”
Current operations point to a positive outlook for the mining firm, with revelations that output will improve from the current 670 kg to 770 kg of the yellow metal next year.
“We are operating at capacity and we are excited that our products will continue to improve as the new projects are coming on board,” outlined Shamva Gold Mine Underground Manager, Mr Gift Mukanganga.
The wheels of success have been enabled through a US$15 million recapitalisation package from parent firm, Kuvimba Mining House.
This support is also expected to extend to the mine’s planned 200 000 tonne processing plant, which will position Shamva Gold Mine as the biggest processor in the country.
