Tafadzwa Nyikadzino

Three hundred small-scale miners graduated yesterday in Chegutu after completing formal training on safe mining practices through a program funded by Mutapa Gold Resources.

The colorful event, held at Magandi Park, saw both male and female miners receiving formal certificates that will be recognized in the country’s mining industry.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Minister of Mines and Mining Development Polite Kambamura applauded Mutapa Gold Resources for this initiative, which he described as a “corporate social investment.”

“Allow me to formally thank Mutapa Gold Resources for this funding initiative. We need to move away from only corporate social responsibility to corporate social investment.

“This is a corporate investment that we are witnessing here. When these people are empowered, we have empowered a nation,” Minister Kambamura said.

The training was conducted in partnership with the Zimbabwe School of Mines, whose Principal, Mr. Edwin Gwaze, revealed that the short course is designed to improve safety, compliance, and productivity.

The Chief Executive Officer of Mutapa Gold Resources, Mr. Patrick Maseva-Shayawabaya, said the initiative is driven by the need to turn artisanal miners into formal miners.

“This initiative is a formal statement that Zimbabwe can grow its gold production responsibly. Gone are the days when we used to chase them. We now see them as partners,” Mr. Maseva-Shayawabaya said.

He also revealed that the program will be conducted across the country in areas where small scale mining is conducted to improve safety and sustainability in mining.