By Positive Eye News Reporter
In a significant step towards formalising Zimbabwe’s artisanal mining sector and boosting national gold output, the government—through Magaya Mining—has officially handed over essential mining equipment to artisanal miners operating under the Pickstone Artisanal Mining Scheme (PAMS) in Ward 25, Chegutu.
The equipment, which includes 14 compressors, 45 windlasses, and four generators, marks a major milestone in the transformation of informal mining operations into organised, sustainable, and safe enterprises. This initiative is a product of collaboration between Magaya Mining, Dallaglio Mining, and the local community, reinforcing the government’s broader economic vision of community empowerment and inclusive growth.
The impact of the formalisation process is already evident on the ground. From just 20 miners in 2024, the PAMS project has grown to 150 members. Artisanal Mining Engineer Jonathan Mapangisana noted that the growth is not only in numbers but in quality of operations. “Formalisation is key in promoting safety and ensuring compliance with mining regulations. It gives artisanal miners the dignity and structure to operate effectively,” he said.
Success stories such as that of AC Mining highlight the transformative potential of formalisation. “We started off as ‘makorokoza’ but now we are a fully-fledged company employing over 800 people from our community. Access to loans and working capital through formal channels has allowed us to invest in better equipment and expand operations,” said company representative Shingai Chikwanda.
Beyond economic benefits, the initiative is addressing social challenges. Ward 25 Councillor Mr Never Moyo praised the program for reducing youth idleness and drug abuse while promoting women’s participation in economic activities—an important step toward reducing gender-based violence. “This is real empowerment at community level,” he said.
Magaya Mining Managing Director Emmanuel Nhende affirmed that the initiative is in line with President Mnangagwa’s vision of inclusive national development, embodied in the mantra, “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo”. “We want artisanal miners to grow, access markets, and benefit from their work. Our model ensures they have access to transport and affordable milling services while retaining the free gold,” Nhende explained. He added that 59 shafts have already reached development stage, averaging eight meters in depth, with a production target of 20 meters.
The formalisation project also has strong backing from government leadership. The Minister of State for Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Marian Chombo, commended the stakeholder-driven approach and highlighted the positive impact on both safety and provincial economic performance. “Mining production currently contributes 16% to Mashonaland West’s GDP. We applaud efforts that improve safety, reduce illegal operations, and promote gold output. This enhances our local currency which is gold-backed,” she noted.
Minister Chombo also urged miners to uphold environmental responsibility. “We must leave a legacy—not just in terms of wealth, but also in how we care for our environment. Magaya Mining is leading by example in post-mining land rehabilitation. I encourage others to follow suit.”
With structured operations, safety protocols, and growing access to capital, the formalisation of artisanal mining in Chegutu presents a model for replication across Zimbabwe. It demonstrates how empowering local communities can drive national economic transformation while fostering resilience, equity, and sustainability in the mining sector.
