Minister of Mines and Mining Development Dr Polite Kambamura has expressed his admiration for the expansion drive underway at Freda Rebecca Gold Mine, describing the state-owned operation as a model for Zimbabwe’s mining sector following a technical tour of the facility.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
“The plans that the mine has to increase production, we are very excited as the Government,” Kambamura said after touring the operation in Bindura. “I would like to urge other operations also to follow suit by increasing their production, considering that our currency is backed by gold.”
Freda Rebecca, which contributes about 70% of Mutapa Gold Resources’ total output, produced 2.2 tonnes of gold in 2025, accounting for roughly 7% of Zimbabwe’s national gold production. The mine currently employs about 2,200 people and is a flagship asset of the state-owned gold producer.
The Minister noted that Mutapa Gold Resources is targeting to lift monthly gold production from the current 300-310 kilograms to between 570 and 600 kilograms by the end of 2026 and into the first half of 2027. The company has already secured funding for the expansion programme, with US$75 million raised from local banks as part of a broader US$250 million life-of-mine investment drive.
“The company has already secured funding for the expansion of its operations,” Kambamura said. “Look at Shamva Gold Mine; they are going to develop a pit at the top of that hill, and that will see production increasing from 66 kg to 200 kg. Here at Freda, they are currently in the range of 204 kg, and they are also going to increase their production.”
Freda’s General Manager, Alfred Chinyere, has confirmed the mine is operating at maximum plant capacity, with monthly production reaching 240 kg in March 2026. The real growth opportunity, he explained, lies in utilising capacity freed up once Shamva begins processing its own ore at a new US$152 million facility expected to commence construction in August.
Safety Milestone
During the visit, Kambamura also acknowledged the mine’s recent achievement of one million fatality-free shifts, a milestone spanning 455 days without a single work-related death. CEO Patrick Maseva-Shayawabaya credited the turnaround to improved safety practices and a “Zero Harm” approach following four fatalities recorded between October 2022 and February 2025.
“Environmental considerations and safety in workplaces are key issues we are mainly looking at,” Kambamura said, urging the company to “keep doing good” and to engage with the Government where assistance is needed.
The Minister underscored the strategic importance of gold production in strengthening Zimbabwe’s currency, the ZiG.
“Every gramme, every kilogramme that is mined will speak volumes towards our goal of improving our gold reserves at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Kambamura added that the Government is “leaving no stone unturned in an effort to increase gold production and to make sure that all gold deliveries go to the legal market,” with technical visits being conducted nationwide to monitor operations and combat gold smuggling.
“I wish you good luck and best wishes,” he told the management team. “Keep on driving this expansion programme, working as a team, winning as a team. When we fall, we fall as a team. I don’t expect you to fall, but to continue to grow as a team.”
