GADZEMA, CHEGUTU – The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) has described First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s visit to Magaya Mine as a major endorsement of the country’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector, saying the engagement has elevated the importance of responsible mining and environmental stewardship within communities that depend on mining for their livelihoods.
Speaking during the First Lady’s visit to Magaya Mine yesterday, ZMF President Henrietta Rushwaya said the federation was honoured to host Dr Mnangagwa and applauded her commitment to empowering communities through sustainable development initiatives.
Rushwaya said the First Lady’s presence at the mine sent a powerful message that small-scale miners are key stakeholders in Zimbabwe’s economic transformation and Vision 2030 agenda. She noted that artisanal and small-scale miners continue to make a significant contribution to national gold production and foreign currency generation, while supporting thousands of families across the country.
She said the environmental awareness programme spearheaded by the First Lady was timely as the mining sector increasingly embraces sustainable practices aimed at protecting natural resources for future generations. Rushwaya emphasized that miners have a responsibility to ensure that economic development does not come at the expense of the environment.
The ZMF President further highlighted the federation’s ongoing efforts to formalise and professionalise artisanal and small-scale mining operations through training, environmental education and the adoption of safer mining methods. She said partnerships with Government and development stakeholders are helping transform the sector into a more organised and productive industry capable of contributing even more to national development.
The First Lady’s visit also provided an opportunity for miners to interact directly with national leadership and discuss challenges and opportunities within the sector. Rushwaya said such engagements inspire confidence among miners and encourage greater compliance with environmental and safety standards.
She praised Dr Mnangagwa for consistently championing initiatives that uplift communities and promote sustainable livelihoods, noting that her visit to Magaya Mine demonstrated a practical commitment to ensuring that no sector of the economy is left behind.
The gathering brought together miners, community leaders, Government officials and environmental experts in a united call for responsible mining practices. Participants pledged to strengthen efforts to rehabilitate mined land, protect water sources and promote environmental conservation alongside mineral extraction.
For many miners at Magaya Mine, the event marked a significant milestone in the growing recognition of the sector’s contribution to Zimbabwe’s economic growth. The visit reinforced the message that mining must not only generate wealth but also create lasting benefits for communities and the environment.
As Zimbabwe pursues its ambition of becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030, Rushwaya said the mining sector remains committed to playing its part through increased production, responsible resource management and community-centred development.
“The visit by the First Lady is a source of encouragement to miners across the country. It demonstrates that our work is recognised at the highest level and inspires us to continue mining responsibly while contributing to national development,” she said.
