By Margaret Kamba
His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, and ZANU PF First Secretary has applauded the mining sector for its commitment to its growth.
Speaking at the official commissioning of the Pickstone Peerless Mine in Mashonaland West Province, President Mnangagwa said the commissioning of the mine comes timely.
"It is my honour to join you today, here in Mashonaland West Province, to officially open the Pickstone Peerless Mine Underground Mining Project. Pickstone Peerless Mine has a long mining history in Zimbabwe, which dates back to 1905 and remains one of the valuable sources of gold production in our country. The mineral resource at the disposal of this mining entity is testament of the resilience and immense potential of this mine as a going concern. I, therefore, congratulate the Shareholders, Board and Management of Pickstone Peerless Mine for the development we are witnessing today," President Mnangagwa said.
"Further, I want to commend mine workers throughout the country who continue to make an important contribution to the economy. The growth of the mining sector since 2018 from a mere US$ 2.8 billion industry to the current levels of close to US $12 billion has positively contributed to the overall growth of our national GDP. Congratulations to the mining sector.
"The Second Republic, since its inception, has always been about accelerated development, production, productivity, and the realisation of economic prosperity and a higher quality of life for all the people of Zimbabwe. This agenda remains on course despite the climate change induced drought that we are currently experiencing in our country and indeed the SADC sub-region.
President Mnangagwa added that the people of Zimbabwe must pride themselves in their country as enshrined in their mantra.
"It is fortunate that this commissioning ceremony of the Pickstone Peerless Mine Underground Mining Project is occurring a few days after the historic and unprecedented opening of our national vaults as well as the launch of our country’s structured currency," the First Secretary said.
"The backing of our currency against our gold and strategic mineral reserves is reflective of the Second Republic's determination to ensure that the resources of our motherland, Zimbabwe are leveraged to advance our quest to realize sustainable economic independence and sovereignty.
"As we build our beloved country, we must continue to be proud of our unique Zimbabwean heritage and identity, including our minerals and own currency guided by our mantra Nyika inovakwa, inotonhwa, inonamatirwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo."