Efficient prototype mining machine invented in rural Nkayi

Tatenda Mkandawire

NKAYI- Fortune Maswathi Donga, a graduate from the National University of Science and Technology, has done it again. The science savvy prodigy has masterminded yet another stunning breakthrough invention, a fuel and pollution free prototype that uses biomass/wood to process gold ore from concentrate. 

The machine which was put together at his father’s workshop at the Nkayi industrial sites, consists of a crusher, water pump and a concentrator which seperates gold from its ore in very little time.

Donga, who made waves last year after inventing his own home made water pump for agricultural purposes, has been hard at work for months, trying to create a system that reduces financial and fuel strain on miners while also counteracting pollution. He has therefore, come up with a solution which is proof of concept on the idea of industrialisation based on cheap fuel and reducing greenhouse gasses emited by industry while also improving revenue.

See story: University graduate invents cheaper alternative source of fuel for irrigation pumps. https://communitypodiumnews.org.zw/?p=2243

Asked by this publication on how the innovation works, Donga obliged by demonstrating and explaining how his new machine operates.

“The machine features basic utilities in gold (and other minerals) processing, thus crushers made from hardened steel, water pumps and concentrators which I intend to modify in due course, funds permitting, with centrifugal concentrators. 

The machine can process 1-3 tonnes of ore per day at zero fuel cost and zero emission using wood shavings and/or any carbon based biomass as a fuel. I have designed the blueprints of this machine so that I can scale it up to commercial size in future. I have demonstrated portability and minimal set-up time. It (the machine)  has a water recirculation system to minimise the amount of water used in processing gold while also cutting back on the use of harmful chemicals like cyanide.” said a beaming Donga.

Donga’s father, Mr Maploti Donga, who is a fitter and turner by profession and has helped Fortune throughout his project gave a  testimony of the machine, emphasizing on its economic viability.

“This project encounters cheaper installation capital, as everything is contained in one machine. There is no need to buy seperate crushers, pumps and seperators. These seperate units usually need different fuels mounting on top of operation costs, therefore with this machine the aim is to eliminate fuel costs totally which means that whatever yield one gets from the ore is their profit. This motivates one to extract more gold, right?” the proud father asked rhetorically.

Nkayi residents and stakeholders who were present to see this invention have praised this prototype, especially in light of  the 2030 national renewable energy policy objectives regarding biomass. 

The level of intelligence demonstrated by Donga has surpassed expectations and there is hope that this machine will go a long way in helping the mining sector at a large scale.

The publication also spoke to Fortune’s former Science Teacher, Mr Eustas Fundo who taught him at  Hlangabeza High school. The educationist had nothing but praise for the young man who remains grounded despite his erudition and considerable success.

“Fortune has put out solutions to the country for problems like power load shedding and expensive fuel alternatives. He has harnessed the concept of recycling biomass waste and other invasive plant species like lantana camara, which are deemed an undisputed nemesis spiraling out of management. He has used such plants to produce energy for gold production. This is commendable and it makes us proud as his loco-parents,” said Mr Fundo.

Donga mapped out his way forward while stating that he hopes to engage investors to refine, modify and mass produce this product. 

” My goal is to implement this project on a large scale by availing the machine to industry but funds are the only limitation I have at the moment. Therefore, I would like to invite any interested individuals, companies or organisations that  I can partner with to build commercial versions of this machine. I am working on debuting this unit at the ZITF 2021 with assistance from NUST and I can plan on making this on order basis,” said Fortune on his plans.