Chronicle Editor
Nqobile Tshili, [email protected]
COUNCILLOR Ignatius Khabo of Bubi Rural District Council, a successful small-scale gold miner in Bubi district, Matabeleland North draws his inspiration from renowned big mining firms operating in his locality.
Bubi district is rich in gold and illegal gold mining are rampant.
Clr Khabo (36), employs 75 people at his Huntsman’s Mine in Bubi district where giant gold producer Casmyn Mine is one of his neighbours.
Within the same area, there is also a Chinese lime mining company while most of the gold miners in the district are operating illegally.
Clr Khabo grew up in Mahlabathini village in Bubi, and he was inspired by his father to venture into mining.
While a majority of artisanal miners in the district are engaging in illegal gold mining, Clr Khabo has opted to take the legal route.
He has formalised his operations in a generally capital-intensive sector, which in the past was largely dominated by foreign investors.
Small-scale miners contribute about 60 percent of gold deposits countrywide and Clr Khabo is proud to be among those players.
He has partially mechanised his operations while also ensuring that legal processes are followed.
“Mining is rewarding, you can be a millionaire through mining. Just close by there is a lime mine run by the Chinese while Casmyn Mine is also just a stone’s throw away,” said Clr Khabo.
“Just having these giant operators within the area where we are mining is a motivation. These companies wouldn’t set up such big operations if there was no underground materials here, we have employed 75 workers, and some of our workers come as far as Beitbridge and Binga.”
Clr Khabo said his mine operations are legal and comply with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development regulations.
“In this mine, we follow all the mining regulations. We have an environmental impact assessment and everything is being done above board,” he said.
“We have a cyanidation plant permit which allows us to process gold here. We also have a carbon room where we store partially processed gold particles before we transport them for refining in Bulawayo.”
Clr Khabo said since he is operating legally, it is easier for them to access loans which enables him to expand his mining operations.
“We have not recorded any serious accidents that have led to loss of lives because we are following operation procedures from the ministry. I also encourage other small-scale miners to register their mines so that experts from the ministry can then guide them on what needs to be done to professionalise their work,” he said.
“We might not have all the experts needed to run a mine, but through the guidance from the ministry, we adhere to standards while improving on professionalism.”
Clr Khabo said he inherited his mine from his late father, Norman Khabo.
“We are four siblings and my life revolves around mining. During school holidays, I would work in the mine and when I completed my O-level studies, I started mining and this has been my life throughout,” he said.
Clr Khabo has also generated employment for the local community members.
“Unlike in illegal gold mining, safety is guaranteed, and I’m almost certain of returning home every day to my family safely. However, when it comes to the illegal gold mining claims, you can be axed and killed by some rogue miners or a mine shaft can collapse on you,” he said.-@nqotshili
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