MINES and Mining Development minister Winston Chitando has on Wednesday hailed the significant progress made in the resuscitation of Delta Gold ’s Eureka Mine in Guruve, Zim Morning Post can report.
Chitando led a high powered delegation of top government officials comprising of Information, Broadcasting and Publicity minister Monica Mutsvangwa, Energy minister Fortune Chasi, government spokesperson Nick Mangwana and traditional leaders on a tour of the mine on Wednesday.
The dormant mine was re-commissioned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2018 after the intervention of Delta Gold’s biggest shareholder, Dalliglio who ploughed an investment running into millions of dollars to resuscitate operations.
The site visit revealed that the progress made thus far is on track to achieve the production target of two tonnes of gold by 2021.
“We have a target of hitting the 100-tonne gold production by 2023. This will contribute to the attainment of an (Upper) middle income class economy by 2030,” Chitando said expressing his satisfaction on the progress.
“Eureka Mine which was re-commissioned by President Mnangagwa last year, has a target of producing two tonnes of gold by 2021.
“We have come here to see the progress made so far since last year. The mine is way on track to achieving its production target in 2021. We expect them to have increased their production by 2023,” he added.
To date, the mine has facilitated employment creation of more than 100 people.
The major impediment to operation is incessant power supplies which burdens Dalliglio with an obligation to buy fuel to power generators.
Dalliglio chief executive Michael Fowler was however optimistic that they will overcome the challenges and achieve their target of producing 200kg per month in a projected period of two years.
The biggest challenge is ‘de-watering’ the shafts.
Energy minister Chasi assured the management that government was making tireless efforts to provide power for the production sector including mining which is a major pillar in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Traditional leaders from Guruve also showered praises on the developments and said they hope it will develop their community.