MARTIN MAWAYA
SHURUGWI-The Government has called on mining companies to prioritise corporate social responsibility (CSR) and align their operations with the national vision for inclusive development.
This was said at the commissioning of a US$300 000 gold milling and processing plant in Shurugwi on Tuesday.
The facility, funded by ChengXi Chengetai Investments under the Shurugwi Community Empowerment Trust, is expected to benefit more than 5 000 artisanal and small-scale miners across the district through affordable and efficient gold processing services.
Commissioning the plant, Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Owen Ncube, said the project was a milestone development for community empowerment and a demonstration of responsible mining under the Second Republic.
“This transformational event showcases yet another milestone community empowerment initiative by the Second Republic,” said Minister Ncube. “The US$300 000 Shurugwi Community Empowerment Trust Gold Milling and Processing Centre will empower our youths and small-scale miners to contribute meaningfully to the provincial and national economy.”
He said the project was part of ChengXi Investments’ broader corporate social investment programme, which also includes borehole drilling, mortuary rehabilitation, road construction, and ICT support for schools.
The new milling centre comprises three round mills, a jaw crusher, hammer mills, a warehouse, carbon and melting rooms, water reservoirs, workers’ quarters and an administration block.
It will save miners from travelling long distances to process ore and reduce environmental and health risks associated with unsafe mining practices.
Ncube commended ChengXi Investments for deepening Zimbabwe–China cooperation in line with the “All Weather Partnership” framework.
He said the project supports the formalization of the small-scale mining sector, which continues to play a significant role in the country’s gold deliveries.
“In the first nine months of 2025, Zimbabwe delivered 33 tonnes of gold to Fidelity Gold Refinery, with small-scale miners contributing 24,5 tonnes,” Minister Ncube said. “This is clear evidence that small-scale miners are vital to our economy, and they deserve support through such empowerment projects.”
He added that the government remains committed to driving rural industrialisation and beneficiation at source through the devolution agenda, which ensures that local communities benefit directly from their natural resources.
Ncube also used the occasion to warn against drug and substance abuse in mining communities, describing it as a major threat to economic growth and social cohesion.
“Shurugwi District is a known hotspot for drug and substance abuse, and this must stop,” he said. “The law has been strengthened, and offenders will face jail terms without the option of fines. We must protect our young people and empower them through productive initiatives like this milling project.”
He urged other corporates to emulate ChengXi’s commitment to community development and complement government’s thrust towards achieving Vision 2030.
“I urge all mining companies to follow this example and invest in communities where they operate. Corporate Social Responsibility is not optional, it is essential to sustainable national development,” Ncube said.
