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Far

irai Machivenyika / Levi Mukarati, Harare Bureau
President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday officially re-opened Eureka Gold Mine in Guruve that is expected to produce at least 1,5 tonnes of the mineral when it reaches full production capacity in the next 18 months.

The re-opening of the mine follows a $60 million capital injection by Delta Gold.

The mine that ceased operations 15 years ago, will also employ at least 400 people when operating at maximum capacity.

In his address, President Mnangagwa said Government’s thrust was to partner investors to exploit the country’s resources for the benefit of communities and the nation at large.

“Here in Guruve, the resources that are underground are yours,” he said. “But if we do not exploit them they will remain underground while you remain poor.

“We, therefore, need investors that will assist us exploit those minerals so that we develop as communities and as a nation. The resources can only be useful to us if they are exploited.”

President Mnangagwa said Government was focused on economic development more than politics.

He said the re-opening of Eureka Gold Mine would contribute significantly to the country’s gold production.

“The re-opening of the mine offers an opportunity for it to make its contribution to the nation’s gold output which is expected to reach 100 tonnes per annum in the next five years,” said President Mnangagwa.

“I urge you, therefore, to think big from the onset. There are now immense possibilities that are abound in the sector.”

President Mnangagwa urged the company to adopt new technologies to maximise output.

“Equally important is a need to gradually increase the employment capacity of the mine and foster mutually beneficial relationships with communities around the area in which you operate,” President Mnangagwa said.

He thanked the investors for the confidence they had shown in Zimbabwe.

“This injection of $60 million into the resuscitation of this mine bears testimony to the confidence that investors have in the bright future of our country,” said President Mnangagwa.

“This landmark event, together with the re-opening of Shabanie Mine, among others, is indeed evidence of my Government’s resolve to leverage on our country’s natural resources endowments to grow our economy, create decent jobs and improve the standard of living of our people throughout the country.

“To this end, allow me to assure all investors that under my Government, investments are safe in Zimbabwe.”

President Mnangagwa said Government would continue to facilitate exploration and establishment of new mines, re-open closed ones and increase capacity utilisation.

Eureka Gold Mine process director Mr Mike Evans said the mine would be equipped with a Carbon-in-Pulp plant which was a modern facility to trap gold.
Mr Evans said the mine would employ more than 400 workers.

“Between now and construction, we will employ 250 to 300 and then 400 when we are in full production.

“We will start off with a target of about 150 kilogrammes of gold per month and as we go deeper we increase to  200kgs or more per month,” he said.
President Mnangagwa donated 20 computers each to Guruve and Chimanikire primary schools.

The mine re-opening ceremony was also attended by acting Minister of Mines and Mining Development Cde July Moyo, Minister of Environment, Water and Climate Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, senior government officials, local traditional leaders and villagers.