Bindura-based gold producer RAN Mines has halted operations following a tailings storage facility (TSF) breach caused by heavy rainfall on the night of February 22, 2025.
By Ryan Chigoche
The incident led to tailings spilling into a nearby waterway, raising concerns about potential environmental contamination in Bindura’s Chipadze residential area.
The company had recently restarted operations using a smaller, interim tailings dam near its processing plant while awaiting environmental approvals for a permanent TSF.
Originally, RAN Mines planned to build a larger TSF to the east of the plant. However, unforeseen delays in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process forced the company to seek an alternative solution. To maintain production, a temporary TSF was established to the west of the plant, closer to town, after receiving approval from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA).
This interim structure was only intended to last five years, with the transition to the permanent TSF expected by the end of 2023.
However, on February 22, an intense downpour exceeding 100mm in less than five hours caused excessive stormwater runoff, overwhelming the interim TSF’s retaining walls.
The breach resulted in some tailings being washed into a nearby waterway that flows through Chipadze. While this raised immediate concerns about contamination, RAN Mines noted that the primary cause of flooding was the sheer volume of stormwater, which also eroded large amounts of material downstream.
Several homes along the waterway were affected, with residents reporting recurring flooding issues whenever heavy rains hit Bindura. In response, RAN Mines temporarily halted processing operations to manage water levels at the TSF and prevent further environmental risks. The company also took precautionary measures to mitigate potential contamination.
To assess the impact of the spill, RAN Mines engaged two SAZ-approved laboratories from Harare to test for cyanide in the affected water sources. At the same time, the company has been working closely with EMA and local authorities to monitor the situation and initiate decontamination efforts where necessary.
Following the incident, EMA ordered RAN Mines to halt all processing operations on February 26, 2025, until additional stormwater diversion and cleanup measures are completed. The company has committed to working with regulators and stakeholders to ensure compliance with environmental standards and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Despite the setback, RAN Mines remains a key employer and economic player in Mashonaland Central. The company is focused on addressing environmental concerns while securing regulatory approvals for the permanent TSF.
As it works toward resuming operations, RAN has assured stakeholders that all test results will be transparently shared and that any necessary remediation efforts will be undertaken.
