Guruve, Mashonaland Central – Chief Chipuriro has issued a stern warning to villagers against engaging in illegal mining activities at Eureka Gold Mine following two shooting incidents at the site in the past three months.
Speaking at a homestead handover ceremony at Bome Farm last week, the traditional leader implored villagers to steer clear of the restricted mining areas, urging them instead to collaborate with the mine for community development projects. “Why steal from the mine when you can approach it for assistance?” Chief Chipuriro questioned, emphasizing the mine’s active role in local development initiatives.
Eureka Gold Mine, owned by Dallaglio after its acquisition of Delta Gold Zimbabwe (DGZ) in 2018, is a vital contributor to the local economy. Originally operated by DGZ from 1995 to 2003, the mine boasts an in-pit reserve of 373,603 ounces, supporting approximately five years of open-pit operations at a rate of 100,000 tons of ore per month. Plans for underground mining, projected to extend the mine’s life by nine years, will be guided by ongoing scoping and drilling studies.
The mine underwent a comprehensive refurbishment from January 2020 to July 2021, culminating in the construction of a state-of-the-art Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) plant capable of processing 100,000 tons per month. This upgrade positioned Eureka to produce between 140kg and 200kg of gold monthly, while creating over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs for the local community.
Eureka Gold Mine’s commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) is evident through various community-focused initiatives. Over $485,000 has been spent constructing 20 modern homesteads for relocated families, with an additional $10,700 allocated for farming inputs to support these families. The mine has also invested $150,000 in upgrading Muroiwa Primary School by building two classroom blocks, two staff cottages, and renovating existing classrooms and toilets.
In partnership with the District Development Fund, Eureka has drilled 24 solar-powered boreholes across Guruve. Six of these, located at Bome Farm, Nanitale Farm, Dunavet Farm, Nyarugwe Farm, Mazhambe Village, and Guruve Primary School, were officially handed over last week. The boreholes are expected to serve over 600 households and 2,100 students, significantly reducing the burden of water collection on women and children while mitigating health risks associated with water shortages.
Guruve District Hospital, which serves the district’s 24 wards, recently received a donation of 240 blankets and 78 pairs of sheets from the mine. This provision ensures every hospital bed is adequately equipped, enhancing patient comfort and health service quality.
Eureka Gold Mine’s investments exemplify a balanced approach to resource extraction and community development. Chief Chipuriro’s call for mutual cooperation underscores the importance of safeguarding such partnerships, which are pivotal for sustainable growth in Guruve and the wider Mashonaland Central province.
As Eureka continues its mining operations, its CSR initiatives reaffirm its role as a key driver of both economic empowerment and social transformation in the region.
