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 Zimbabweās 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 Eurekaās 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 Mineās efforts in transforming local communities. He noted that the mineās expansion is closely aligned with the governmentās vision for economic empowerment and national growth.
āThe 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.
āThe 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 Mineās 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. āEureka 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. āSo 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 boreholesālocated at Bome Farm, Nanitale Farm, Dunavet Farm, Nyarugwe Farm, Mazhambe Village, and Guruve Primary Schoolāare 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.
āThis 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. āIt directly supports the governmentās 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.
āMines like Eureka are not just about extracting resources; they are about contributing to the social well-being of their communities. The mineās 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, āWe 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 Zimbabweās economic development but also enhancing the quality of life for local communities, one project at a time.