Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
HIPPO Creek Gold Mine in Kadoma is targeting to triple its daily gold ore production from 20 tonnes to 60 tonnes in 2027, riding on what it says is the country’s investor-friendly operating environment.
The mine, which currently operates one shaft, plans to open two additional shafts next year as part of an expansion drive expected to boost production and create more employment opportunities.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo, toured the mine this morning, where ongoing work to upgrade mining shafts and milling plants is expected to boost operational capacity.
The mine’s operations manager, Lucky Mupoperi, said the company, which commenced operations in 2012, was benefiting from the investment climate created under the Second Republic.
“We will be opening two more shafts in 2027 to increase our ore production tonnage from 20 to 60 per day. This will also see an increase in employment creation,” he said without divulging the amount of gold produced per month.
Hippo Creek currently employs about 190 people across its operations and aims to grow its workforce to 300 as expansion projects gain momentum.
Minister Chombo said the mine’s growth ambitions were in line with the Government’s drive to increase productivity, expand the mining sector and create employment.
The mine has also invested in a 1,2-megawatt solar power generation plant, which supplies electricity for its entire operations, with surplus power being fed into the national grid.
The investment in renewable energy is expected to strengthen the mine’s energy security while contributing to the country’s broader electricity supply.
