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In a move that underscores the value of hands-on expertise, Magaya Mine has turned to a proven operations specialist, Tinashe Mapfumo, whose career has been defined by mastery of critical mining operations across different minerals and the explosives segment, to lead its future as Mine Manager, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The newly appointed Magaya Mine Manager holds professional qualifications that include a National Diploma in Mining Engineering, a Full Blasting Licence, an AECI Surface & Underground Intelligent Blasting Certificate, a National Certificate in Project Management, and is currently pursuing a BSc in Mining Engineering, all of which align perfectly with his new role.
The appointment is seen as a strategic decision by Magaya’s owners, placing a leader known for granular operational control and stringent safety standards at the forefront of the Kwekwe operation.
Mapfumo’s rise through the ranks is a classic story of field proficiency leading to executive responsibility. Until recently, he was instrumental in ensuring that ground was efficiently broken and moved at major operations such as Metallon Gold’s Jumbo Mine, KW Blasting, Zimplats’ open-pit operations, Murowa Diamonds, Beta Bricks Quarry, and the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company. In his roles as Miner-in-Charge, Drill and Blast Foreman, and Shift Boss, he was responsible for the precise, high-stakes calculus of moving rock—scheduling rigs, shovels, and haul trucks; calculating explosive powder factors; and guaranteeing daily safe blasted volumes and moved tonnes.
“Tinashe’s journey is a blueprint for operational leadership,” commented an industry source familiar with his work. “He hasn’t just managed people; he has managed the very physics of production. He knows what it takes to get the material out safely and efficiently because he has been in charge of the first critical step.”
His technical credentials are robust, having managed fleets of advanced drilling equipment and overseen large-scale blasting campaigns moving over one and a half million cubic metres of material. However, colleagues point to his parallel role as an S.H.E.Q. (Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality) Champion as a key differentiator. In this capacity, he moved beyond pure production, actively conducting internal audits for international safety (OHSAS 18001) and environmental (ISO 14001) standards, integrated management systems, and training personnel on systemic procedures.
“This dual focus is what modern mining needs,” the source added. “He understands that true efficiency is impossible without an unwavering commitment to safety and system integrity. Promoting from within this mindset is a powerful signal.”
At Magaya Mine, Mapfumo will now be responsible for translating that frontline discipline into broader mine strategy, overseeing all operations, community relations, compliance, and long-term planning. The mine, located in a historically significant gold district, is expected to benefit from his deep, practical understanding of the local mining landscape.
Reached for comment, Mapfumo said his approach remains rooted in his field experience. “The principles are the same, whether you’re planning a single blast or a quarterly production schedule: precision, preparation, and people. Safety, compliance, responsible mining, and planning are not separate departments; they are the foundation of every tonne we move, crush, mill, and recover. I am eager to work with the Magaya team to build an operation that excels on every metric.”
The mining community will be watching closely, as Mapfumo’s appointment represents a tangible vote of confidence in the path from technical foreman to mine manager, proving that mastery of the core production cycle remains one of the most reliable routes to leadership.
