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Zimbabwe’s Mining Industry, Caledonia Honor Caxton Mangezi’s Remarkable Legacy

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On Monday, Zimbabwe’s mining industry gathered to celebrate the illustrious career of Caxton Mangezi, a man whose contributions to Caledonia Mining Corporation and the broader mining sector have left an indelible mark, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

After more than five decades of service, Mangezi’s retirement from his role as Vice President of Caledonia and General Manager of Blanket Mine marks the end of an era, and industry leaders paid tribute to his unwavering dedication, leadership, and resilience.

Hon. Winston Chitando, the Minister of Mines and Mining Development who was the guest of honour at the Mangezi farewell dinner which was held at Victoria 22 in Newlands commended Mangezi for his extraordinary achievements and influence on Zimbabwe’s mining sector.

“We gather here to celebrate a truly exceptional individual. Mr. Mangezi, your contributions have not only advanced Caledonia but have also made a huge contribution to the entire mining industry in Zimbabwe. You have set a standard of excellence that will inspire generations to come.” Chitando emphasized how the mining industry, a key pillar of Zimbabwe’s economy, has benefited from leaders like Mangezi, who have driven growth and set high standards.

Caledonia CEO Mark Learmonth also praised Mangezi’s leadership, highlighting his pivotal role in transforming Blanket Mine into one of Zimbabwe’s most successful mining operations.

“We are not merely celebrating a career, but a legacy. Over nearly 30 years, Caxton led Blanket through periods of growth and transformation, producing over a million ounces of gold and securing the mine’s future for decades,” he said.

Learmonth emphasized the importance of the Central Shaft Project, a milestone achievement that Mangezi spearheaded.

“Without Caxton’s leadership on the Central Shaft, Blanket Mine would have closed down in 2018. Instead, the project has extended Blanket’s life to at least 2041,” he added.

Mangezi himself reflected on his long journey with Blanket Mine, which began in 1969. “Mining has not just been a career; it has been my life,” he remarked.

Mangezi recounted how he had witnessed Blanket’s transformation from a small operation with only a few hundred employees to a large-scale producer employing over 2,000 people. He paid tribute to the employees who have supported the mine’s success.

“We were not just a workforce; we were a family. We went to work with a vision to achieve something great, and that is how we built Blanket into what it is today,” Mangezi said.

Mangezi’s commitment extended beyond mining operations. Under his leadership, Blanket Mine became a beacon of community development, providing healthcare, education, and nutrition programs to the surrounding communities. As Chitando noted, “Mangezi’s efforts ensured that the benefits of mining were shared with the local communities, leaving a legacy of shared prosperity.” This focus on corporate social responsibility is a hallmark of Mangezi’s approach, and it has cemented his place not only as a mining leader but also as a community champion.

In his farewell speech, Mangezi shared fond memories of his time at Blanket Mine, recounting both the challenges and triumphs. He expressed pride in the decisions made during difficult periods, particularly in 2008 when the mine was on the verge of closure. Mangezi’s decision to keep workers employed, despite economic hardships, allowed the mine to restart quickly once the situation improved. “That decision to keep everyone at work paid off,” Mangezi said. “When the economy turned around, we were ready to go, and Blanket was back in production”.

As Mangezi embarks on his well-deserved retirement, the mining industry reflects on his lasting contributions. His leadership has not only shaped the future of Caledonia but has also had a profound impact on Zimbabwe’s mining landscape. His legacy will inspire future generations of mining professionals, and as Chitando put it, “Caxton Mangezi has been a cornerstone of our industry, and we wish him good health and success in the next chapter of his life”.

Mangezi leaves behind a remarkable legacy, and as the mining industry in Zimbabwe continues to grow, his contributions will be remembered as a foundation upon which future successes are built.

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