Govt Commissions US$1.2m Gold Milling Plant to Empower Zvishavane Miners and Drive Local Growth
In a bold move to empower grassroots miners and ignite local economic growth, the Government has commissioned a US$1.2 million gold milling plant in Zvishavane — a first-of-its-kind facility set to transform artisanal mining, create jobs, and boost gold output in the Midlands district.
The plant, established by Sabi Gold Mine, is part of the Second Republic’s inclusive development agenda.
It is designed to support small-scale miners with modern processing infrastructure, helping them formalise operations, improve efficiency, and contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s mining sector.
During the commissioning ceremony, artisanal miners expressed gratitude for the investment, describing it as a turning point for their livelihoods.
“We want to thank Sabi Gold Mine for giving us an opportunity to showcase our ability in the mining sector. We will help to improve the GDP of Zvishavane.
“This is a welcome development for the community,” said one miner.
Another community member praised the public-private partnership behind the project.
“The private-public sector partnership is bearing fruit, especially for this community, because this is the first of its kind, and we are really humbled and grateful.
“We will make sure that this thing will be safeguarded for posterity.”
The plant is expected to revolutionise how artisanal miners operate.
One of the beneficiaries said artisanal miners appreciated the initiative and believed it would significantly transform their operations, marking a shift from how they previously worked.
Sabi Gold Mine Board Chairperson Mr Oliver Mtasa said the initiative was designed to empower youths and women through mining.
“We came up with this initiative so that youths and women can participate in the mainstream economy through mining activities. We believe in giving a man the rod rather than giving him fish.
“We are here to empower our youths so that we achieve our President’s vision of a mining economy,” he said.
ZBC reported that the Government has commended the partnership, describing it as a model for inclusive economic development.
Zvishavane-Runde Constituency Legislator Honourable Freddy Moyo said the project reflects investor confidence in the Second Republic’s Engagement and Re-engagement programme.
“This venture is a demonstration of the confidence that investors have in the Second Republic’s Engagement and Re-engagement programme. We are confident that going forward, this will improve livelihoods for our youths and women at large,” said Honourable Moyo.
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Owen Ncube said the initiative aligns with the country’s long-term development goals.
“Given that our mineral resources are finite, it is necessary for mining companies in Zimbabwe to leave a positive legacy for communities even when the mine has exhausted its lifespan.
“As you may be aware, the mining sector is anticipated to play a pivotal role in the attainment of the country’s vision of being an Upper Middle-class economy by 2030, and these are significant strides in achieving that feat,” he said.
The commissioning of the milling plant signals investor commitment to supporting national development and unlocking opportunities for communities under the Second Republic’s economic transformation drive.
