CALEDONIA Mining Corporation Plc Zimbabwe vice-president Caxton Mangezi has retired after nearly two decades with the miner.
Before Mangezi’s appointment as Caledonia Zimbabwe vice- president, he worked as the miner’s general manager at its gold-producing Blanket Mine from 1993 to 2021.
Caledonia acquired the Blanket Mine from Kinross Gold Corporation with effect from April 2006.
Mangezi’s journey with Blanket Mine began in 1969.
Apart from Blanket Mine, Caledonia also owns Bilboes Mine and the Motapa and Maligreen gold mining claims.
Caledonia chief executive officer Mark Learmonth said Mangezi’s leadership had driven significant growth in production over the years.
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“Over these decades, his leadership and vision have played a pivotal role in shaping the success of Blanket Mine and cementing its position as a cornerstone of the Zimbabwean mining industry,” he said, during Mangezi’s retirement celebration on Monday this week.
“Under Mangezi’s stewardship, Blanket Mine achieved truly extraordinary milestones. During his tenure, the mine produced over 1 million ounces of gold, equivalent to nearly 33 tonnes, a phenomenal contribution to all stakeholders. He transformed Blanket Mine into one of Zimbabwe’s largest and most reliable large-scale gold producers, which now employs over 2 000 people and provides livelihoods to countless families.”
Learmonth said Mangezi’s thanked for his unwavering dedication, leadership and service to the miner.
“Your contributions to Blanket Mine and to Zimbabwe’s mining industry are unparalleled, and your legacy will undoubtedly endure for decades to come,” he added.
Mines and Mining Development minister Winston Chitando said the mining sector required dedicated individuals to achieve excellence.
“As we are all aware, the mining industry is the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, of course, together with agriculture. It plays a pivotal role in driving growth, generating foreign currency and creating employment opportunities. These achievements are only possible when you get players in the industry who have a vision to achieve excellence in the industry,” Chitando said at Mangezi’s farewell.
“We are lucky to have people like Mangezi, who are in a position to drive your vision and achieve the success in terms of the growth and the key projects like the central shaft project, which Mark was referring to. For more than five decades, you have exemplified resilience, professionalism and leadership.”
Mangezi urged the company to continue working towards achieving greater milestones.
“I look back at my career, and I marvel at how far the mining industry has come. When I began in 1969, I remember clearly walking to Blanket and finding these few cluster of houses, with a little hedge in the background, that were planted in the valley there, and just managing to get out some rock from underground, treating it up and dumping the material somewhere there, with probably around about 200 people in total,” he said.
“And here I am in 2025, exiting Blanket with more than 2 000 employees. Mining has not been just a career, but it’s been my life. Blanket will always be home for me and home for my children. And I wish the team at Blanket all the best and I’m sure they will succeed. I will always say there is no room for failure at Blanket.”