Conrad Mupesa-Mashonaland West Bureau
KADOMA-BASED Hippo Creek Gold Mine is targeting to triple its daily gold ore production from 20 tonnes to 60 tonnes in 2027 through an expansion programme that will see it open two additional mining shafts and increase milling capacity.
The expansion, which is expected to create more employment opportunities, comes as the mining company seeks to capitalise on what it describes as Zimbabwe’s investor-friendly operating environment.
The mine currently operates one shaft and two milling plants, with plans to increase the number of operational mills to four as part of efforts to boost production.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Marian Chombo, toured the mine yesterday, where she witnessed ongoing works to upgrade its mining shafts and milling infrastructure.
Hippo Creek has also invested in a 1,2-megawatt solar power plant, which supplies electricity for its operations, with surplus power being fed into the national grid.
The investment is expected to strengthen the mine’s energy security while contributing to the country’s electricity supply capacity.
The mine’s operations manager, Mr 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. This will also see an increase in employment creation,” he said.
“We currently have two mills which are operating and our target is to have all the four mills running. This will up our gold ore production from 20 tonnes to 60 tonnes per day.”
Hippo Creek currently employs about 190 people across its operations and is targeting to increase its workforce to 300 as expansion projects gather momentum.
“The majority of the labour force is taken from the surrounding areas which has seen a lot of local youths benefit,” said Mr Mupoperi.
Some employees who spoke to Zimpapers said the mine had transformed livelihoods in neighbouring communities through direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Mr Jingilson Makawa, a boilermaker who has been employed at the mine since 2012, said the investment had benefited surrounding communities through employment and various corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Minister Chombo said the mine’s expansion plans demonstrated the growing contribution of mining investments to provincial economic growth and employment creation.
She commended the company for embracing modern mining technologies, investing in renewable energy and maintaining a safety record without recorded fatalities.
“The mine is currently processing about 20 tonnes of gold ore per day and has set up additional mills, with plans to increase production to 60 tonnes. It means they are going to triple their production,” she said.
The Minister said the mine’s use of solar energy, including feeding surplus electricity into the national grid, was a positive contribution to the country’s energy sector.
She also applauded the company’s use of computerised systems, saying modern technology could improve efficiency, reduce human interference and enhance safety in mining operations.
Minister Chombo said the mine’s expansion would further strengthen Mashonaland West’s contribution to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while creating more opportunities for local communities.
