The Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon Owen Ncube, has commissioned and handed over a US$300,000 gold milling and processing centre to artisanal and small-scale miners in Shurugwi District, marking a significant step in the government’s drive to formalise the informal mining sector, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The facility, funded by Cheng-Xi Chengetai Investments, a company recognised for promoting responsible mining practices in the Midlands Province, is equipped with three round mills, a jaw crusher, three hammer mills, water reservoirs, an administration office block, and other support infrastructure.
Speaking at the event, Minister Ncube commended the Zimbabwe-China bilateral mining agreements, describing them as a catalyst for economic empowerment and responsible development.
“Let me applaud the Chinese for honouring and adhering to the investment provisions and requisites as provided within the Zimbabwe-China bilateral mining agreements,” Ncube said. “This will help in transforming our communities’ livelihoods and also complement the government’s empowerment initiatives.”
The Minister highlighted the centre’s direct impact, noting it will provide accessible and affordable milling services to over 5,000 beneficiaries, boost the local economy, and create jobs. He reiterated the government’s commitment to formalising the informal mining sector and empowering youth to participate meaningfully in national development.
“The commissioning of this centre marks a significant milestone in our efforts to promote local economic empowerment and responsible mining practices,” Ncube said.
To illustrate the critical role of small-scale miners, the Minister noted that in the first nine months of 2025, this sector delivered 24.5 tonnes of gold to Fidelity Gold Refinery, out of a national total of 33 tonnes.
He also urged other corporates to emulate Cheng-Xi’s Corporate Social Investment Programmes and issued a warning to drug peddlers, including celebrities and high-profile individuals, that the law will catch up with them. The commissioning is seen as a key pillar in achieving the nation’s Vision 2030 objectives.
This project highlights a growing trend of partnerships between government and private industry to develop mining infrastructure. The table below summarises the core details of the newly commissioned facility:
