Mining ZimbabweLatest Mining News, Policy and Industry Updates

In a historic achievement for the nation’s mining sector, Zimbabwe has officially surpassed the government’s 40-tonne gold delivery target for 2025, with cumulative deliveries to Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) reaching a monumental 41,787.3441 kg at the end of November, Mining Zimbabwe can exclusively report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The latest monthly data, which solidifies this record-breaking year, shows a strong recovery in November following an October dip. Total deliveries for the month rose to 4,234.2956 kg, a 1.91% increase from October’s 4,154.9592 kg.

This November push was crucial in cementing the annual milestone. The large-scale mining sector led the monthly charge with a powerful 8.13% surge, delivering 1,000.096 kg, up from 924.8947 kg in October. The artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector, the undisputed engine of this year’s success, maintained its relentless pace with a slight 0.13% increase to 3,234.1996 kg, up from 3,230.0645 kg the previous month.

The figure of 41,787.3441 kg (approximately 41.79 tonnes) for January to November not only crosses the 40-tonne finish line but does so with a full month to spare. This achievement validates the bullish forecasts made by industry leaders throughout the year and sets the stage for a final year-end total that could approach 46 tonnes.

Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) President Ms Henrietta Rushwaya’s confidence, expressed at MineEntra, has now been decisively proven correct.

“As small-scale miners, we have escalated our gold production to the extent that as of the end of September, our production combined with the large-scale miners had risen up to 33 tonnes of gold,” Rushwaya had stated. “I’m sure Fidelity with your indulgence and concurrence will gladly surpass the 40 tonnes of gold which we had committed to.”

The November data confirms that the sector did more than just “gladly surpass” the target; it has demolished it ahead of schedule. The ASM sector’s contribution, representing over 76% of November’s total and consistently dominating monthly output, has been the single most critical factor in this national success story.

This year’s performance marks a dramatic upswing. The consistent month-on-month strength, barring minor fluctuations, points to a transformed and formalising sector. Analysts attribute the success to a confluence of factors: Fidelity Gold Refinery’s competitive pricing, which has remained above US$115 per gram, a renewed focus on supporting small-scale miners, and improved regulatory mechanisms that have increased confidence in formal channels.

The surpassing of the 40-tonne target carries significant economic weight. Gold is Zimbabwe’s single largest foreign currency earner, and this record output will substantially bolster the country’s reserve position and provide critical leverage in macroeconomic stability efforts.

With the target already secured, the focus for December shifts to the magnitude of the final surplus. The mining industry now has the opportunity to set a new benchmark for annual gold production in Zimbabwe’s modern era.

Industry stakeholders are already celebrating the milestone. “This is a testament to the collective effort of every miner, from the large corporates to the individual artisanal operators, and the supportive policies that have been enacted,” said a senior official within the mining hierarchy. “It shows that with the right environment, Zimbabwe’s mineral endowment can be harnessed for national development.”

As the final deliveries for December are tallied, the story of 2025 is no longer one of potential but of resounding achievement. Zimbabwe’s gold sector has delivered a historic performance, surpassing its flagship target and etching a new chapter of productivity and growth for the national economy.

In a swift cabinet reshuffle, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Eng Polite Kambamura as the new Minister of Mines and Mining Development, effective immediately, Mining Zimbabwe, can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The appointment, announced by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr M. Rushwaya, on December 8, 2025, elevates Kambamura from his previous role as Deputy Minister of the same portfolio.

This move follows recent reports and a formal press statement confirming the departure of former Minister Winston Chitando.

Eng Polite Kambamura is not a newcomer to the ministry or to politics. His profile indicates a career built on relevant technical and political experience:

Professional Background: He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering from the University of Zimbabwe (2002) and recently graduated with a Master of Science in Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sustainability with distinction from Bindura University. Before entering politics, he worked as an engineer at mines in Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Political Career: Kambamura has been a Member of Parliament for Sanyati Constituency since August 2018 and has served as the Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development since September 2018. His tenure as deputy spanned the leadership of two ministers: Winston Chitando and Soda Zhemu.

The appointment signals a significant shift at the helm of one of Zimbabwe’s most critical economic ministries.

Outgoing Minister: Winston Chitando, who served as Minister on two separate occasions (2018–2023 and again from April 2024), was a prominent figure in promoting Zimbabwe’s mining sector globally. Just weeks ago, he was actively marketing the country’s mining potential at international forums.

A Ministry in Focus: The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development oversees a sector that is central to Zimbabwe’s economy. Recent government efforts have focused on banning raw lithium exports to encourage local processing, attracting over $1 billion in related investments, and launching major industrial projects like the Palm River Energy Metallurgical Special Economic Zone. The ministry also recently gained a second Deputy Minister, Caleb Makwiranzou, tasked with overseeing oil, gas, and strategic minerals.

Kambamura’s immediate promotion from within the ministry suggests a desire for policy continuity. His first-hand experience with ongoing reforms and key projects likely played a role in his selection. The new minister steps in at a time when Zimbabwe is pushing to:

• Increase gold production to a target of 40 tonnes in 2025.
• Advance its platinum and lithium sectors with major new mining and processing facilities.
• Ensure mining activities translate into direct benefits for local communities through regulatory reforms.

The swift nature of this appointment aims to ensure stability and uninterrupted progress in the strategically vital mining sector.

Official Statement Released

The appointment was made official through a press statement dated December 8, 2025, signed by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr M. Rushwaya, in accordance with the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

In a significant shift following intense industry pressure, Zimbabwe’s Finance Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, has indicated the government is open to revising its recently proposed hike in gold royalties, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The move comes after the controversial budget measure triggered strong opposition from miners who warned it would cripple profits and investment in the critical sector.

Speaking at a post-budget meeting with business leaders in Harare, Ncube stated, “We have agreed on the issue of (gold) royalties, so you will see some tweaking there.” This comment marks the first official acknowledgement that the government may amend the proposal, which would see the top royalty rate double to 10 per cent for gold prices exceeding $2,501 per ounce.

The potential for revision follows weeks of heated debate. In his 2026 National Budget presentation on November 27, Minister Ncube announced a new, harmonised sliding-scale royalty structure for all gold producers.

The new structure: A royalty rate of 3 per cent when the gold price is below $1,200 per ounce, 5 per cent for prices between $1,201 and $2,500 per ounce, and a new top tier of 10 per cent for any price above $2,501 per ounce.

The government’s rationale: Ncube argued the change was necessary “to ensure the mining sector contributes a fair share of revenue to the Fiscus during periods of commodity price boom.” With gold trading persistently above $4,000 per ounce, well into the proposed 10 per cent bracket, the government aimed to capture more revenue from the windfall.

The announcement was met with immediate and forceful pushback from across the gold mining industry, from large-scale operators to small-scale miners.

Warnings from Major Producers

Caledonia Mining Corporation, a top producer, publicly stated the change would “result in a lower level of profitability and cash generation” at its Blanket Mine and forced a reassessment of its $484 million Bilboes project.

Analysts warned the hike could negatively impact investment flows at a time when Zimbabwe is seeking to grow the sector.

Alarms from Small-Scale Miners

The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF), representing artisanal and small-scale miners who contribute about 65 per cent of national output, urgently appealed to the government.

The ZMF argued the 10 per cent rate would deter new investment in exploration and development and sharply increase gold smuggling as miners seek better returns in neighbouring countries with lower taxes.

A Sense of Unfairness

A deeper analysis highlighted a core grievance: the new tiered system was seen as penalising the sector’s most compliant players. Large-scale miners, who already bear the full brunt of corporate taxes and other levies, would face the doubled royalty. In contrast, the artisanal sector, which is harder to tax and associated with significant leakage, largely operates under a separate, lower royalty framework. This created a perception of punishing formal, transparent operations while failing to address broader revenue losses from illicit flows.

What “Tweaking” Could Mean

Minister Ncube’s vague promise of “tweaking” leaves room for speculation on the final policy. Industry stakeholders are now watching closely for the government’s next move, which could take several forms:

Adjusting the price threshold: Raising the $2,501 per ounce trigger for the 10 per cent rate to a higher level.

Modifying the top rate: Reducing the proposed top royalty rate from 10 per cent to a more palatable figure for the industry.

Introducing offsets: Coupling the royalty change with other incentives to support mine development and expansion projects.

The gold royalty debate occurred alongside other significant mining tax reforms in the 2026 budget, including:

Changes to how capital expenditures are deducted for tax purposes.

New export taxes on unprocessed lithium, chrome and other minerals to encourage local beneficiation.

A landmark liberalisation of domestic gold ownership, allowing citizens to legally buy, hold, and trade certified gold bars, a move analysts believe could drastically reduce smuggling by bringing informal gold into the regulated economy.

While Minister Ncube’s statement has cooled immediate tensions, the gold sector remains in a holding pattern. The minister’s words suggest a compromise is being formulated, but its details will determine whether Zimbabwe can balance its urgent fiscal needs with the imperative to maintain a viable and attractive investment climate for its most important export industry.

All eyes will now be on the Treasury and Parliament as the budget moves through the approval process, with the industry hoping the promised “tweaking” will result in a sustainable and competitive royalty regime.

The Young Miners Foundation (YMF) will host its 15th Anniversary Awards Dinner on December 19 in Bulawayo, an event aimed at recognising young leadership and excellence within Zimbabwe’s mining sector, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The awards ceremony, scheduled for Three Daughters Jazz Restaurant in Parklands at 6 p.m., will bring together industry leaders, young professionals, and stakeholders from across the mining value chain. The Foundation will present several honours, including the Young Miners Media Award, which recognises outstanding reporting, analysis and advocacy for responsible and youth-driven mining development.

YMF Chief Executive Officer Payne Farai Kupfuwa said the awards underscore the organisation’s commitment to building a competent next generation of mining professionals.

“Our goal is to celebrate the young people whose innovation, discipline and resilience are helping shape Zimbabwe’s mining future,” Kupfuwa said in a statement. “The individuals we are recognising have shown exceptional commitment to the Young Miners Foundation’s vision of empowering youth and contributing meaningfully to the country’s economic trajectory.”

Kupfuwa added that the ceremony is designed not only to acknowledge achievement, but also to strengthen industry networks and inspire higher standards of professionalism.

“As we mark 15 years, this event is both a celebration and a moment of reflection,” he said. “It reinforces our belief that sustainable growth in the mining sector must include young voices and young leaders. Their work continues to dovetail with national goals for value addition, growth and global competitiveness.”

The evening will feature networking sessions, presentations and entertainment. YMF said the annual awards have become one of its key platforms for showcasing youth talent and promoting best practices across Zimbabwe’s mining industry.