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Conrad Mupesa

Mashonaland West Bureau

The partnership between Chegutu large-scale mining firm Magaya Mine and Giant Mine, a project for artisanal miners, has resulted in an increase in production and a reduction in mine-related accidents.
Magaya Mine provided equipment to the artisanal miners at Giant Mine to enhance production. The artisanal miners have also been receiving tips on safe and sustainable mining practices.

The mining firm also erected a perimeter fence around the 49 mining claims which are now only accessible to fit workers.

Testing of alcohol has been intensified and at least nine safety officers have been engaged to assist the artisanal miners.

In return, Magaya Mine has been receiving milling dumps from the artisanal miners.

Chegutu District has in the past recorded some mine accidents involving artisanal miners.

One of the executives at Magaya Mine, Ms Gemma Peters told Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo during a tour of Chegutu mining projects yesterday that they are dedicated to boosting gold production in the area while at the same time helping to formalise the artisanal mining sector.

Mining contributes at least 25 percent of the provincial Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Minister Chombo said she is confident that a replication of the partnership programme in the province will increase production.