Hippo Creek Gold Mine has launched an ambitious expansion programme aimed at tripling its daily ore production to 60 tonnes by 2027, as the miner moves to capitalize on favourable conditions in Zimbabwe’s gold sector.
The Kadoma-based operation plans to increase output from the current 20 tonnes per day through the sinking of two additional mining shafts and the upgrading of its processing and milling facilities to accommodate significantly higher ore volumes.
The expansion plans were outlined during a site visit by Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo, who toured the mine and received an update on ongoing and planned developments.
Hippo Creek Operations Manager Lucky Mupoperi said the mine, which has been in continuous operation since 2012, was positioning itself for long-term growth under Zimbabwe’s supportive mining investment framework.
The project is expected to create new skilled jobs in underground mining while generating broader economic benefits for Kadoma and surrounding communities through increased business activity and service demand.
Speaking during the visit, Minister Chombo welcomed the investment, describing it as consistent with government efforts to drive provincial economic development and industrialisation.
“This expansion project is a clear indication that our local mining sector is responsive to growth opportunities. When private players scale up operations, it directly translates to rural industrialisation, community employment and enhanced provincial GDP,” she said.
The development comes as the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development intensifies efforts to expand output from brownfield mining projects across Mashonaland West, one of the country’s key gold-producing provinces.
As part of the expansion strategy, Hippo Creek said it is working closely with the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) to ensure compliance with environmental management and rehabilitation requirements.
The company is also evaluating power backup solutions to protect the expanded milling operations from electricity supply disruptions and ensure consistent production.
Construction works and shaft-sinking activities are expected to gather momentum in the coming months, with commissioning of the new infrastructure targeted for the first half of 2027.
Once completed, the project is expected to significantly increase ore processing capacity and strengthen Hippo Creek’s contribution to Zimbabwe’s growing gold mining industry. 
