US$1.2 million Sabi Gold Mine project transforms livelihoods in Zvishavane

A US$1.2 million community milling centre and gold tributary scheme funded by Sabi Gold Mine is transforming livelihoods in Zvishavane by creating jobs for youths and women while contributing to national gold production. The artisanal mining initiative is being hailed as a major empowerment programme aligned with Zimbabwe’s drive for inclusive economic growth, rural industrialisation, and formalisation of small-scale mining.

Beneficiaries say the project has created sustainable employment opportunities and reduced social problems such as drug and substance abuse among unemployed youths.

“The tribute arrangement has come at the right time because many youths are now employed, reducing drug and substance abuse,” one miner said.

Another beneficiary said the project had significantly improved living conditions for families.

“Since I began working last year, I have been able to provide for my children. My life has transformed,” the worker said.

According to the Chairperson of the Sabi Gold Mine Artisanal Miners Milling Centre Association, Harris Mpofu, the scheme is supporting thousands of people from surrounding communities.

“Each tribute employs approximately 60 small-scale miners,” Mpofu said.

He added that the project is steadily increasing gold output.

“We are producing about two kilogrammes of gold per month and aim to double output.”

Gold produced through the milling centre is delivered to Fidelity Printers and Refineries, contributing to Zimbabwe’s official gold deliveries and export earnings. Mining analyst Takunda Mugaga said formalising artisanal mining is critical to improving accountability and economic benefits.

“When small-scale miners operate within structured systems, the country benefits through increased official deliveries, safer operations and better livelihoods,” he said.

Zimbabwe has increasingly promoted structured artisanal mining as part of efforts to harness the sector for employment creation and rural development. The mining sector remains one of the country’s key foreign currency earners, with gold playing a central role in national export revenues. Economic expert Persistence Gwanyanya said community-based mining projects can stimulate local economies.

“These initiatives create income streams in rural areas while integrating informal miners into the formal economy,” he said.

Residents say the milling centre has brought renewed economic activity to the area, with women and young people now participating more actively in mining-related work. Local leaders believe the project could become a model for community-centred mining development across Zimbabwe. As the country seeks to increase gold production and formalise artisanal mining operations, projects such as the Sabi Gold Mine tributary scheme are increasingly being viewed as important tools for economic empowerment and social stability.

Sabi Gold Mine project