Home Mining Eureka Gold Mine Fuels Social and Economic Development in Guruve

Eureka Gold Mine Fuels Social and Economic Development in Guruve

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Guruve, Zimbabwe ā€“ Eureka Gold Mine continues to play a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of the Guruve district, with significant investments in local communities. The mine’s efforts align with Zimbabweā€™s vision to achieve an upper-middle-income economy by 2030, contributing to both the growth of the mining sector and the well-being of surrounding areas.

Minister Magomo Applauds Eurekaā€™s Role in Development

Speaking at an official handover ceremony last Friday, Captain (Rtd) Christopher Magomo, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland Central, praised Eureka Gold Mineā€™s efforts in transforming local communities. He noted that the mineā€™s expansion is closely aligned with the governmentā€™s vision for economic empowerment and national growth.

ā€œThe mining industry plays a very pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s economy, contributing approximately 12% to our gross domestic product and accounting for around 80% of national exports,ā€ Minister Magomo said.

ā€œThe government values the growth of this sector, and the trajectory of Eureka Gold Mine aligns perfectly with our national goals. Eureka is not just an economic contributor, but a community builder, integrating social development into its core operations.”

Progress in Relocation and Community Support

Eureka Gold Mineā€™s relocation program, which began in 1999, continues to progress. The relocation of homesteads from Muroiwa, Kazunga, and Mazhambe villages has been essential for the mine’s expansion. So far, the mine has successfully moved 41 homesteads under Phase 1, and 5 more families were relocated in 2023 as part of Phase 2.

This year, another 15 homesteads will be relocated, with plans for 25 more in 2025 and another 25 in 2026 under the final phases.

Mine Manager Tinago Tinago emphasized the importance of these moves in creating a better living environment for the affected families. ā€œEureka Gold Mine is committed to ensuring that our corporate social investment projects leave a sustainable and long-lasting legacy in the communities where we operate,ā€ Tinago said. ā€œSo far, we have spent over US$485,000 on the construction of 20 new homesteads and provided farming inputs worth US$10,700 to the relocated families.ā€

Education and Water Initiatives

Recognizing the need for improvement in the local education sector, Eureka Gold Mine has initiated an upgrade of Muroiwa Primary School, including the construction of two additional classrooms and two staff cottages, as well as renovations of existing structures. The project is estimated to cost US$150,000.

Additionally, Eureka, in partnership with the District Development Fund, has drilled 24 solar-powered boreholes across the Guruve community, alleviating the water shortages faced by local residents. Six of these boreholesā€”located at Bome Farm, Nanitale Farm, Dunavet Farm, Nyarugwe Farm, Mazhambe Village, and Guruve Primary Schoolā€”are being handed over today, with plans to serve around 600 households. The borehole at Guruve Primary School will provide water to approximately 2,100 learners.

ā€œThis initiative will significantly reduce the time and effort, especially for women and children, who previously had to walk long distances for water,ā€ Minister Magomo remarked. ā€œIt directly supports the governmentā€™s goal of universal access to clean and safe water, as outlined in the National Development Strategy 1 and aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 6.ā€

Healthcare Support for Guruve District Hospital

Eureka Gold Mine has also supported the healthcare sector, donating 240 blankets and 78 pairs of sheets to Guruve District Hospital, which serves thousands of people from across the district. The donation will ensure that all 78 beds at the hospital are equipped with the necessary bedding, improving the quality of care for patients.

ā€œMines like Eureka are not just about extracting resources; they are about contributing to the social well-being of their communities. The mineā€™s commitment to improving healthcare services here is commendable,ā€ Tinago said.

Commitment to Long-Term Sustainability

Eureka Gold Mine remains focused on creating lasting, positive impacts through its corporate social responsibility initiatives. By prioritizing community development, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability, Eureka is helping to build a brighter future for the people of Guruve. As Tinago concluded, ā€œWe will continue to focus on high-impact projects that have the potential to transform the lives of people in this region.ā€

Through these efforts, Eureka Gold Mine is not only contributing to Zimbabweā€™s economic development but also enhancing the quality of life for local communities, one project at a time.

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