The emergence of Eureka Gold Mine in Guruve has put competitive pressure on gold mines in Zimbabwe, the Association of Mine Managers Zimbabwe (AMMZ) has noted.
Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe on the sidelines of the AMMZ Technical visit to Eureka Mine on Friday, Mine Managers President Engineer Elton Gwatidzo said that the Guruve-based mine has proven to be a force to reckon with in the gold mining industry.
Operating on one pit only Eureka Gold Mine has proven to be potentially the biggest gold producer in the country and is setting a mark for other mines.
“What is happening here is very impressive considering that it’s a gold operation. Capex invested here and the future projections, are all realistic and commendable.
“You will realize that in terms of moving this type of volume they are now probably the biggest operation in Zimbabwe, not to take away anything from Freda Rebecca which has been dominating this space. It is also encouraging that the Freda team that is here has been inspired as well. This also puts pressure on all other gold operations in Zimbabwe.
“In 2021, October, we went to Shamva Gold Mine and witnessed the potential that Shamva has in terms of gold output. What it means is that the bark should be taken over by other mining houses.
“In terms of claims, most big mines have adequate claims all what is needed is the exploration and investment into developing these mines. Eureka’s plans are very realistic and we witnessed that they are only mining one pit and within their vast mining claims they have the potential to do more, so this is very encouraging for the industry,” Gwatidzo said.
Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe at the event, Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe Chief Executive Officer Dr Issac Kwesu also noted that Eureka Gold Mine within its short production period plays a significant role in the achievement of the US$4 billion gold industry by 2023.
He said the mine is determined to meet production targets and in terms of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) the miner has done exceptionally well considering that they are a new kid on the block.
“If you notice when Eureka mine started last year, they started at a very low base. This year they are moving to 1.3 tonnes which is almost two and half times what they produced last year.
“If you look at the profile of their expected production pathway you can see that by 2023-24 they will be almost 3 times where they started and by 2028 they will be 2 tonnes which is a 4-fold increase. This is a remarkable increase and a significant contribution to the total gold output target for the nation which the mine has a significant role to play.
“Eureka Mine is located within the vicinity of the Guruve community and has a very important role to play in terms of employment creation and social community development.
“The miner has started doing quite a number of initiatives which is a big gesture considering that they have just started but already have an impact in the community,” Dr Kwesu said.
