MARTIN MAWAYA
SHURUGWI-Chinese-owned mining firm, Chengetai Cheng-Xi Investments, has poured over US$1 million towards the empowerment of artisanal and small-scale miners in Shurugwi through the provision of mining equipment, infrastructure, and mining blocks.
Speaking to The Midweek Watch, the company’s general manager, Simon Karimanzira, said the initiative seeks to modernize and formalize small-scale mining operations in the district.
“When we started mining in Shurugwi District, we realised that most large conglomerates had not invested in empowering small-scale miners. We identified their needs and purchased mining blocks at Bonza, measuring 120 hectares. We also opened roads for accessibility and constructed infrastructure such as offices so that they work in a secure place,” said Karimanzira.
He added that the company had built ablution facilities, solarized boreholes and a milling centre as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme aimed at uplifting mining communities.
Commissioning and handing over the mining equipment to Shurugwi artisanal and small-scale miners at the New Government Complex in Gweru on Monday, the Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, hailed the development as “the dawn of a new era of inclusive empowerment” in the province.
He commended the Chinese investor for procuring a multi-million-dollar package of machinery and infrastructure support for small-scale miners.
“This transformational gesture by Cheng-Xi comes on the back of the recently concluded bilateral talks between His Excellency, President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, and his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, which elevated relations between our two countries to an all weather friendship anchored on mutual benefit and a shared future,” said Ncube.
Under the programme, Cheng-Xi Investments donated an assortment of modern mining equipment, including five complete round mills, 15 six-beat hammer mills, ten compressors, five 20 kV generators, five water pumps, boreholes, and five medium-sized jaw crushers for use by youth miners relocated from Wanderer to Bonza in Shurugwi.
“This gesture reinforces the Second Republic’s vision of attaining an upper-middle-income economy by 2030, anchored on innovation, modernisation, and responsible mining. The youths have been empowered to engage in safe, formal, and productive mining where every ounce of our precious minerals will be accounted for through Fidelity Printers,” Minister Ncube added.
He said the project aligns with the government’s engagement and re-engagement agenda, which has opened doors for South-South cooperation and increased Chinese investment in Zimbabwe.
However, Ncube warned against the growing scourge of drug and substance abuse, which he said threatens the social fabric and productivity of mining communities.
“As the Midlands Province, we are leading in dismantling drug bases and bringing peddlers to book. Our miners must remain focused, disciplined, and patriotic as we build a prosperous Zimbabwe,” he said.
Shurugwi North legislator, Joseph Mpasi, said the empowerment initiative would create opportunities for youths to engage in legal and productive mining.
“This gesture from Chengetai Cheng-Xi Investments is a positive development for Shurugwi District. It will motivate our youths to work hard and move away from drugs and crime,” said Mpasi.
One of the beneficiaries, Jesca Zingoma, commended the initiative, saying it would promote women’s participation in mining.
“This donation will empower women miners to work in an organised and dignified environment. It’s a huge step towards inclusivity in the mining sector,” she said.
