Mines sector welcomes Chitando

Published: 04 December 2017

The Chamber of Mines has welcomed Winston Chitando's appointment as Minister of Mines and Mining Development as a positive step towards enhancing mining productivity and raising Government revenue base.

Describing this move by the President, Zimbabwe Chamber of Mines (ZCM), Chief Executive, Isaac Kwesu said that this was a noble appointee which the sector had ardently received.

"Chitando is a seasoned executive whose experience in the mining sector spans close to three decades and can assist greatly in reviving the sector.

"He has also held various positions and directorships in a number of industrial and mining companies, and his expertise is what the nation needs at this point, since mining is one of the key economic enablers," he added.

Citizens have also thrown their weight at the newly appointed minister urging him to live up to His Excellency's expectations.

"This is a very crucial sector and appointing a technocrat who understands the industry well to stir it was the best move," said Hwange Colliery, Public Relations officer Rugare Dhobbie.

Winston Chitando has held several positions in the mining industry and is viewed as one of the best appointees in the current cabinet due, to his laid back approach in politics.

Chitando currently serves as Chairman of Hwange Colliery Company Limited since May 19, 2016, and Chairman for Platinum Producers Association, and also served as Vice President of the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe from 2008 to 2011 and later its President from 2011 to 2013.

He has been an Executive Chairman of Mimosa Holdings from April 2013, and also served as Managing Director of Mimosa Mining Company since October 1, 2007.

He served as Divisional Commercial Manager in the Mining and Industrial Division at Zimasco since 1997. From 1998 to September 2007, he was an Executive Director with responsibility for Finance for both Zimasco (Pvt) Ltd and Mimosa Mining Company.

Chitando, at various periods also held executive responsibility in Zimasco for Sales and North Dyke Mining during and served as Commercial Director of Zimasco until September 30, 2007.

Previously, he worked at Wankie Colliery Company in 1985. In 1984, he joined Anglo American Corporation as a graduate trainee accountant based at Hwange Colliery Company, where he rose to the position of Chief Accountant. For a total of 11 years, he worked for the Anglo American Corporation group. During this period, he rose through the ranks to hold various positions and directorships in a number of industrial and mining companies which were part of the Anglo American group.

He also sits on various mining related boards such the Zimbabwe School of Mines.
- harare post

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