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Zimplats Smelter Expansion to Propel Zimbabwe to Global PGM Leadership – Mnangagwa

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Zimplats Smelter Expansion to Propel Zimbabwe to Global PGM Leadership – Mnangagwa

Zimbabwe is poised to become a global leader in the Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) market, following the successful commissioning of the expanded Zimplats smelter.

By Ryan Chigoche

President Emmerson Mnangagwa expressed optimism that the enhanced capacity will not only position the country as a regional hub for PGM processing but also elevate it to the forefront of the global market.

The President made the remarks on July 23, 2025, during the official commissioning ceremony of the Zimplats Smelter Expansion Project and Phase 1A of the 35MW Solar Plant, held at the Selous Metallurgical Complex.

This event marked a major milestone in the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on October 18, 2021, between the Government of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and Zimbabwe Platinum Mines (Zimplats).

The MOU outlines a roadmap for the sustainable development of integrated PGM projects under Zimplats’ ambitious US$1.8 billion expansion programme.

The smelter expansion and Phase 1 SO₂ Abatement Project represent a US$398 million investment that commenced in December 2021. Remarkably, the project was completed within just 36 months.

Speaking at the launch, President Mnangagwa said:

“This expansion will ensure that Zimbabwe becomes a leader in the global platinum market, as Zimplats has created capacity to toll refine concentrates from third parties. Increasing smelting capacity to over one million ounces of all six elements of the Platinum Group Metals (platinum, palladium, gold, rhodium, ruthenium, and iridium) in converter matte per annum is a significant boost to our value addition efforts in the platinum group metals sector. This increased capacity has the potential to transform Zimbabwe into a regional hub for platinum processing, creating jobs and stimulating downstream industries. I am particularly pleased to note that the expanded smelter has the capacity to accommodate other platinum group metal producers in the country.”

The project saw Hatch serving as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management (EPCM) contractor. A state-of-the-art 38MW furnace was constructed, tripling Zimplats’ smelting capacity to 380,000 tonnes of concentrate per annum—equivalent to 1.09 million ounces of 6E metals.

The scale of the project is staggering: it spans an area the size of 12 football fields and involved thousands of tonnes of materials and hundreds of kilometres of cabling, all brought together to establish a world-class metallurgical facility.

Also speaking at the event, Minister of Mines and Mining Development Winston Chitando praised the plant’s technological advancement and reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting sustainable mining operations.

“It is not just the scale that impresses; it is the technological sophistication. From the 6-inline rectangular furnace to the integrated furnace feed controller, digital twinning for managing aisle logistics, flash drying, Pierce-Smith converting, and advanced PLC and SCADA control systems, Zimplats has embraced innovation to achieve unparalleled efficiency and productivity.”

“As Minister of Mines and Mining Development, I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to creating a conducive environment for investment and sustainable growth. We will continue to support initiatives that promote sustainable mining practices, job creation, and community development,” Chitando added.

In addition to the smelter, the President also commissioned the first phase of Zimplats’ 185MW solar power project on the same day — a bold step toward reducing the mine’s carbon footprint and ensuring energy self-sufficiency.

The 35MW Phase 1A plant, now operational, is part of the company’s broader commitment to sustainability and climate resilience.

Zimplats was widely praised for the dual achievements, which demonstrate not only its engineering excellence but also its alignment with Zimbabwe’s broader beneficiation and energy transition goals.

Together, the smelter expansion and solar plant underscore the strength of public-private partnerships in unlocking value from the country’s vast mineral wealth — while laying the groundwork for long-term economic transformation.

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe, 24 July 2025

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Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe, 24 July 2025

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe today, 24 July 2025, from the official gold buyer and exporter Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR).

SG 90% and ABOVE US$103.71/g.
SG ABOVE 89% BUT BELOW 90% US$102.61/g.
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$101.51/g.
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$100.41/g.
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$98.77/g.

Fire Assay CASH $104.26/g.

NB: Fire Assay cash price is for gold above 100g; no sample is deducted.

A sample of not more than 10g is deducted for the Fire Assay Transfer price.

A 2% royalty is charged on all deposits (Small-scale miners).

A 5% royalty is set for Primary Producers.

US-China Critical Minerals Tug-of-War Sets Stage for Rare Earth Revival and Deep-Sea Mining Race

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US-China Critical Minerals Tug-of-War Sets Stage for Rare Earth Revival and Deep-Sea Mining Race

In the fierce rivalry between two of the world’s biggest superpowers, the next battleground isn’t land, oil, or even cyberspace — it’s the critical minerals hidden beneath our feet and scattered across the ocean floor. As the United States and China intensify their scramble for strategic resources, rare earths and deep-sea deposits have emerged as the new frontiers of global economic power.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

And as the race accelerates, the rest of the world, including Africa, must carefully watch, understand, and respond to the implications.

This is not just about minerals — it’s about magnets, machines, and the materials that define modern life. It’s about who will control the engines of clean energy, who will build the next generation of electric vehicles, and who will dictate the standards for sustainable extraction in a world that’s desperate to go green, but ill-prepared for the politics of how.

For decades, China has enjoyed a near-monopoly in the rare earth supply chain, refining roughly 90 percent of the world’s output. These are the elements powering everything from wind turbines to fighter jets. And as the clean energy transition accelerates globally, demand is exploding.

But in a dramatic shift, the United States is reasserting itself, driven by growing fears over Chinese dominance. Recent developments in Washington, notably under the Trump administration and beyond, have reignited interest in domestic production, strategic reserves, and controversial ventures such as deep-sea mining. A bold and contentious executive order from Trump cleared the way for American companies to mine the seabed without waiting for global consensus — effectively challenging long-standing international norms governed by the United Nations.

This unilateral move raised eyebrows from all corners of the globe. Environmental scientists and marine biologists warned of irreversible damage to unexplored ecosystems, while Chinese delegates at the International Seabed Authority quickly condemned the decision as a destabilising act of resource nationalism. But for companies like The Metals Company — an ambitious startup with its eyes on the Pacific’s Clarion-Clipperton Zone — Trump’s directive was an open invitation to stake a claim on polymetallic nodules containing nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese. These are the same metals the world needs to build batteries, wind farms, and the infrastructure of the future.

The irony is thick. In the name of fighting climate change and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, nations are preparing to dig into one of the planet’s last untouched environments. All the while, terrestrial sources of rare earths are being rediscovered, revived, and in some cases, reinvested in — driven largely by escalating demand and the geopolitical need to diversify supply chains away from China.

A recent surge in U.S. rare earth stocks marks a watershed moment. For the first time, a U.S. company focused on rare earths cracked the Top 50 list of the world’s most valuable mining companies. Meanwhile, Apple signed a $500 million deal to source its rare earth magnets domestically — another clear signal that America is serious about reducing its exposure to Chinese-dominated refining capacity.

Across the Pacific, China hasn’t slowed down. If anything, it’s expanding its dominance. According to Mining.com, rare earth magnet exports from China soared 158% following a temporary easing of trade tensions. Beijing has invested billions in refining technology and magnet production, and with demand set to triple over the next decade — thanks to electric vehicles and offshore wind — the stakes have never been higher.

Zimbabwe and other African countries sit on the sidelines of this unfolding geopolitical drama, rich in potential but lacking the infrastructure and capital to leverage their mineral wealth strategically. As the world scrambles for lithium, rare earths, and clean-tech minerals, Africa must decide whether it wants to be a passive supplier of raw material or an active player shaping how, where, and by whom value is added.

The current U.S.-China rivalry offers both opportunity and risk for resource-rich but capacity-constrained nations. On one hand, it opens the door for new partnerships, financing, and technology transfer. On the other, it may deepen dependencies, where African countries become battlegrounds for mineral influence without ever dictating the rules.

The question Zimbabwe and the continent must grapple with is whether we can formulate policies that ensure our resources support our own green industrialisation — or whether we will once again watch others build empires on the back of our minerals. Rare earths and deep-sea treasures are not just commodities — they are the raw DNA of the energy transition. Whoever controls them controls the pace and direction of the future.

In this new era of critical mineral competition, the stakes are planetary. It’s not simply about how much nickel or cobalt you have. It’s about your ability to refine it, regulate it, and reap the economic and social dividends from its use. And while the U.S. and China battle it out on the frontlines, the real opportunity may lie with those who can find a middle path — one that values sovereignty, sustainability, and long-term benefit over short-term extraction.

As Washington digs deeper and Beijing expands faster, Zimbabwe must ask itself: are we preparing to play in this global mineral game — or are we content to be spectators once more?

MMCZ Procures Drones to Thwart Rampant Mineral Smuggling

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MMCZ Procures Drones to Thwart Rampant Mineral Smuggling

The Mineral Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) has introduced drone technology as part of a broader crackdown on rampant mineral smuggling that continues to drain the country of critical export revenues.

By Ryan Chigoche

The State-owned entity says the drones will enhance surveillance, stockpile verification, and movement tracking at production sites, particularly in remote and high-risk mining areas.

The initiative comes amid growing concern over unchecked leakages in high-value minerals, especially lithium and gemstones, among several others under MMCZ’s mandate.

In a statement, MMCZ General Manager Dr. Nomsa Moyo confirmed the development, saying the drones will provide a sharper view of mining operations and support more accurate reconciliation of production figures.

“The drones will allow us to precisely measure volumes of excavated materials and stockpiles,” said Dr. Moyo. “This will enable more accurate reconciliation with declared production figures and help identify discrepancies that may signal smuggling or under-declaration.”

Lithium has seen a sharp rise in global demand due to its use in electric vehicle batteries, while Zimbabwe’s semi-precious gemstones continue to attract strong interest from regional and international buyers. However, large volumes of these resources are believed to be leaving the country unaccounted for, depriving the state of critical revenue.

As part of efforts to tighten controls, MMCZ is also finalising a whistleblower platform to encourage anonymous reporting of mineral theft, under-invoicing, and corruption.

Dr. Moyo stressed that minerals should be exported transparently and taxed fairly to ensure the country derives maximum value from its natural resources.

Government policy reforms — including the creation of special economic zones and tax incentives — are aimed at formalising the sector and attracting more compliant investors.

With the integration of drone surveillance and public accountability tools, MMCZ hopes to close loopholes and reinforce the integrity of Zimbabwe’s mineral value chain.

Zimplats’ Expansion Lights Up Zimbabwe’s Mining Future

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Zimplats’ Expansion Lights Up Zimbabwe’s Mining Future

As the Selous Metallurgical Complex buzzed with national pride and anticipation, the spotlight turned not only to what ZIMPLATS had built, but to the bold, unwavering vision behind it — a vision carried with conviction, as described by Implats Chairperson Advocate Thandi Orleyn.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Standing before an audience that included His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, government ministers, parliamentarians, traditional leaders, and mining stakeholders during the official commissioning of two significant expansion projects at the mine, Orleyn delivered a powerful message: that Zimplats’ US$1.1 billion investment to date under its 10-year, US$1.8 billion expansion programme is not merely a corporate milestone — it is a promise fulfilled.

“Today, we do more than commission infrastructure — we commission belief,” Orleyn declared. “Belief in the PGM industry’s future, belief in the power of collaboration, and belief in what becomes possible when bold ambition meets sustained action.”

A Journey Forged in Resilience

Orleyn’s remarks traced Zimplats’ journey back to November 2020, when the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Zimbabwe to support the national beneficiation roadmap. That MOU, she said, laid the foundation for the most ambitious expansion drive in Zimbabwe’s platinum sector — one that includes not only mine replacements and upgrades but expanded smelting, the refurbishment of a Base Metal Refinery, a 185MW solar energy programme, and a sulphuric acid abatement plant.

“When we first announced this ambitious programme, many doubted it could be achieved,” she admitted. “Yet, through sheer determination, teamwork and tremendous stakeholder support, I am proud to say that many of our major projects are either completed or nearing completion.”

The Smelter That Defied the Odds

Now officially commissioned, Zimplats’ expanded smelter — delivered at a cost of US$360 million — triples smelting capacity to 380,000 tonnes of concentrate annually. Constructed over 36 months, the facility spans an area equivalent to 12 football fields. It consumed 17,000 cubic metres of concrete, 3,500 tonnes of steel, 18 kilometres of pipework, and 350 kilometres of cabling.

What stands out is how the project prioritised Zimbabwean suppliers and workers. “The majority of materials and labour were sourced locally — except where technology was unavailable,” Orleyn emphasised.

And the impact? Significant. Approximately 1,600 contractors were employed at peak, most from nearby communities. Hatch Technologies, the global smelting solutions giant, partnered with local firms, creating opportunities for skill transfer and sustainable empowerment.

President Mnangagwa himself acknowledged this during his speech, noting that the smelter “has the capacity to accommodate other platinum group metal producers in the country,” and commended Zimplats’ role in promoting industry-wide collaboration.

Lighting the Future: Zimplats’ First 35MW Solar Plant

Alongside the smelter, Zimplats also commissioned the first phase of its solar power programme — a 35MW plant built at a cost of US$37 million. Designed to supply 8% of the company’s total energy needs, the solar farm sits on 109 hectares and features 74,880 PV panels mounted on a single-axis tracking system.

Seven Zimbabwean firms and an Egyptian EPC company delivered the project, employing 800 workers at peak. Beyond just clean energy, Zimplats is exploring dual land use — integrating agriculture beneath the solar arrays to maximise land value.

President Mnangagwa hailed the project as a “momentous occasion” and encouraged others in the mining sector to follow Zimplats’ green example: “This investment of USD37 million in renewable energy is a clear indication that embracing green technologies is not just an environmental imperative but also a smart economic decision.”

What Comes Next: Solar Expansion, Sulphuric Abatement & Refining

Orleyn outlined what lies ahead. Zimplats is preparing to roll out three more phases to bring solar capacity to 185MW by 2031. Phase 2A, already underway, will deliver 45MW at a cost of US$54 million.

But the energy transition is not the only priority. Construction of a sulphur dioxide (SO₂) abatement plant is in progress, with US$68 million of the US$146 million budget already spent. The plant, which will help Zimplats meet global emission standards, will also produce sulphur for fertiliser manufacturing.

Meanwhile, refurbishment of the mothballed Base Metal Refinery continues. US$33 million has been spent so far, and long-lead equipment has already arrived. Process testing was conducted in Australia, suggesting that Zimplats is steadily gearing toward in-country refining — the final step in Zimbabwe’s mineral value chain dream.

Walking the Talk on Empowerment

Adv. Orleyn didn’t just speak about metal and megawatts. She spoke about people. She reminded the audience that Zimplats sees itself not just as an investor, but as a development partner, as a neighbour, as a bridge-builder.

“In 2023, we implemented the first phase of our economic empowerment programme through shareholding in community-owned companies,” she said. “Today, we again witness a further issuance of shareholding, including equity in Woodbase Investments — a company that provides services to solar-related infrastructure.”

President Mnangagwa praised this vision, saying: “Zimplats has also invested in five associate companies where Zimplats Mhondoro-Ngezi, Chegutu, Zvimba Community Share Ownership Trust has shareholding… aimed at creating a sustainable and empowered community.”

Orleyn went further: “We consider ourselves unofficial ambassadors for Zimbabwe. We hosted international delegates during the Canada-Africa Business Symposium, supported ZIDA’s investment drive in Toronto, and recently hosted Swedish delegates. We stand ready to partner on future opportunities that advance the country’s development.”

A Message of Hope, Despite Headwinds

Orleyn acknowledged Zimbabwe’s operational headwinds — inflation, currency volatility, and policy shifts — but insisted that Implats and Zimplats remain confident in the country’s future.

“Over the years that we have been operating in Zimbabwe, the Government remains open to constructive dialogue,” she said. “With your unwavering support, we will continue to grow in Zimbabwe, creating a better future for all our stakeholders, including the communities around our operations.”

President Mnangagwa Commissions Game-Changing Zimplats Projects

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President Mnangagwa Commissions Game-Changing Zimplats Projects

President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa officially commissioned two major projects by Zimbabwe Platinum Mines (Zimplats): a 38MW expanded smelter and the first phase of a 185MW solar project at the Selous Metallurgical Complex today, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The commissioning marks a pivotal moment in the implementation of Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), positioning the mining sector not only as a driver of economic growth but also as a central pillar in the country’s quest for sustainable development.

“These projects… are a testament to the strength of collaboration between the Government, industry, and the communities,” President Mnangagwa said during his keynote address. “They bring about tangible economic benefits, including jobs, foreign currency savings, fiscal contributions, and advancing the adoption of green and clean energy sources by our industry.”

The President, clearly moved by the achievement, described the event as a “remarkable milestone” in Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda and a confirmation of what can be accomplished through aligned vision and strategic partnerships.

At the heart of the commissioning was Zimplats’ 38MW smelting plant expansion — a US$398 million investment that triples the company’s smelting capacity to 380,000 tonnes of concentrate annually. More than just numbers, the project places Zimbabwe firmly on the global platinum beneficiation map.

“With an investment of USD 398 million, this project will allow Zimplats to increase its smelting capacity threefold,” the President announced. “This expansion will ensure that Zimbabwe becomes a leader in the global platinum market, as Zimplats has created capacity to toll refine concentrates from third parties.”

The smelter occupies a space equivalent to 12 football stadia and utilises cutting-edge technologies including integrated furnace feed controllers, digital twinning, and advanced control systems. At peak, the construction project created over 1,600 jobs — many of them for locals.

“This demonstrates Zimplats’ commitment to industry-wide growth and collaboration,” the President said. “It is through such collaborative efforts that we can maximise the benefits of our natural resources for the benefit of all Zimbabweans.”

Green Power, Greener Ambitions

In line with Zimbabwe’s climate change obligations and the global call for reduced carbon emissions, Zimplats’ 35MW solar plant is already powering 8% of the company’s electricity needs. The US$37 million project is a shining example of responsible mining innovation, blending clean energy with operational efficiency.

“The environmental benefits… are significant,” the President stressed. “This development aligns with our national objectives to combat climate change.”

Featuring 74,880 solar panels on a single-axis tracking system, the plant spans 109 hectares and has already created over 800 jobs, most filled by members of surrounding communities. Zimplats has committed to planting trees to replace those cleared during construction — further reflecting its commitment to sustainability.

From Dialogue to Deliverables

President Mnangagwa applauded Zimplats for its “ongoing empowerment programme” and highlighted the deep-rooted collaboration between government and the company. The program, he explained, is grounded in three pillars — local enterprise development, rural industrialisation, and community social investment.

“To this end, the LEDs programme has incubated 23 small and medium enterprises engaged in manufacturing, provision of engineering and other services,” the President noted.

He also praised Zimplats for investing in five associate companies in which the Mhondoro-Ngezi, Chegutu, and Zvimba Community Share Ownership Trust has shareholding. These initiatives, the President affirmed, are “aimed at creating sustainable and empowered communities.”

A Leader Committed to Local Solutions

Throughout his speech, President Mnangagwa underscored the importance of local beneficiation, energy independence, and empowering Zimbabwean communities. While acknowledging challenges such as inflation and energy constraints, he reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that mining remains competitive and sustainable.

“We must also acknowledge the challenges that the mining industry faces… As a government, we are committed to ensuring that our natural resources are utilised responsibly and for the benefit of our people,” he said.

He challenged other mining companies to take a cue from Zimplats: “This investment of USD 37 million in renewable energy is a clear indication that embracing green technologies is not just an environmental imperative but also a smart economic decision.”

Official Commissioning of the Zimplats Smelter Expansion and Phase 1a 35MW Solar Plant at the Selous Metallurgical Complex. Selous, Zimbabwe

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Official Commissioning of the Zimplats Smelter Expansion and Phase 1a 35MW Solar Plant at the Selous Metallurgical Complex. Selous, Zimbabwe

The Official Commissioning of the Zimplats Smelter Expansion and Phase 1a 35MW Solar Plant at the Selous Metallurgical Complex. Selous, Zimbabwe by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Caledonia Hints at Strong 2025 Profitability Ahead of Upcoming Q2 Earnings Release

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Caledonia Hints at Strong 2025 Profitability Ahead of Upcoming Q2 Earnings Release

One of the country’s leading gold producers, Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc, expects to report a profitable second quarter, buoyed by firm gold prices and strong operational performance at its Blanket Mine in Zimbabwe.

By Ryan Chigoche

The company is preparing to release its financial results on August 11.

The upcoming results will cover the quarter and half-year ended June 30, 2025.

In a recent statement, the company said this anticipated profitability builds on a solid first quarter, reflecting sustained production strength alongside favourable market conditions.

With the current production profile at Blanket Mine and assuming the continuation of strong gold prices, Caledonia estimates that profitability for the full year 2025 will significantly exceed market expectations.

Commenting on these developments, Mark Learmonth, Chief Executive Officer, said:

“We were pleased with the excellent production results announced on July 16, 2025. Combined with a robust and sustained gold price, we are enjoying strong profitability. This reflects the hard work and dedication of the team at Blanket Mine and at group level, which we have strengthened significantly in recent times.”

This anticipated profitability follows a record quarterly output in Q2 2025, with Blanket Mine producing 21,070 ounces of gold—the highest second-quarter total in the mine’s history. This marks an increase from 20,773 ounces produced in Q2 2024.

The strong performance lifted gold output for the first half of 2025 to 39,741 ounces, representing a 5.1% increase compared to the 37,823 ounces produced during the same period last year.

In light of this solid performance, Caledonia has raised its full-year production guidance to between 75,500 and 79,500 ounces.

Zimplats’ 35MW Solar Plant Commissioned by President as One of 11 Milestone Energy Projects

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Zimplats’ 35MW Solar Plant Commissioned by President as One of 11 Milestone Energy Projects

President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa is today officially commissioning the first phase of Zimplats’ 35MW solar power project in Selous, a landmark development that is being celebrated as one of Zimbabwe’s most significant energy achievements in recent years.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The plant, which will ultimately contribute 185MW when fully complete, is not just a victory for Zimplats, but a signal that Zimbabwe’s mining industry is increasingly taking responsibility for its own energy needs and carbon footprint.

In a recent announcement by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Hon. Dr Jenfan Muswere, Zimplats’ solar plant was listed among 11 successful energy infrastructure projects implemented across the country, spanning thermal, solar, and mini-grid technologies.

But Zimplats stands out — not just because of its size, but because it is the only one among the 11 being commissioned by the President himself, underlining the project’s national significance.

The solar farm, situated at Selous in Chegutu District, Mashonaland West, has already started feeding into Zimplats’ operations and is expected to ease demand on the national grid. This is part of the company’s broader strategy to deploy 185MW of renewable energy to support its mining and processing activities.

According to a Zimplats statement, the next phases of the solar rollout will include additional sites to reach full capacity. This comes at a time when the company is also finalising its US$521 million base metal refinery and ramping up smelter commissioning, positioning itself as a leading example of beneficiation and ESG leadership in Zimbabwe.

“The commissioning of the first phase of Zimplats’ solar project reflects the company’s commitment to decarbonisation, energy security, and sustainable mining,” Zimplats said.

The Bigger Picture: Energy Milestones Across Zimbabwe

Zimplats’ solar development was named alongside ten other successful energy projects across the country. These include thermal power plants in Hwange, Buhera, Beitbridge, and Mvuma; community mini-grids in Gutu and Gokwe North; and new solar stations in Guruve and Kwekwe. Notably, the 10MW New Glovers Solar Plant in Kwekwe, also highlighted by ZERA, is one of the few IPP projects nearing full implementation.

While not all of these projects have received high-profile commissioning events, their cumulative impact signals a shift in Zimbabwe’s power generation landscape — particularly as private players take on more responsibility in addressing electricity deficits.

According to the government, these projects contribute towards stabilising power supply, supporting industrial growth, and bringing clean energy to off-grid communities.

But in truth, it’s the mining industry that is pushing the real transition. From Zimplats to Caledonia to Prospect Lithium, miners are no longer waiting for the ZESA switch to power their ambitions. They’re building their own.

Mining Leading the Clean Energy Push

Zimplats’ bold investment into solar energy comes as the mining sector continues to face load-shedding disruptions, rising costs of diesel, and global investor pressure for cleaner operations. As one of the top contributors to Zimbabwe’s GDP, the mining industry has been forced to think beyond just extracting minerals and towards sustaining operations through innovation and resilience.

With over US$1.8 billion already invested in its Zimbabwe operations, Zimplats’ solar rollout is part of a broader infrastructure agenda that includes the new concentrator, smelter upgrades, and its long-awaited base metal refinery.

This isn’t charity, it’s strategic survival. And it’s ESG with teeth.

A Message for the Country: This Is Possible

Today’s commissioning by President Mnangagwa is more than just a ribbon-cutting ceremony. It is a national message — that with the right policy framework and private sector commitment, Zimbabwe can light up its industries, rural areas, and future using its own hands.

It also challenges other sectors — agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing — to follow suit and take energy development into their own hands.

But let’s be clear: without serious investment protection, quicker approvals, and stable economic fundamentals, many of these good stories risk remaining isolated headlines.

What Zimplats Has Done Right:

  • Forward-thinking: They didn’t wait for the government or ZESA to fix the power crisis.

  • Environmental focus: This is clean energy, ESG-compliant, and investor-attracting.

  • Scalability: The full plan is for 185MW — enough to power small towns.

  • Integration: The solar farm is linked to beneficiation projects like the smelter and BMR.

Zimbabwe Can Power Its Own Future

Zimplats has shown what is possible when vision meets capital and commitment. Other companies must follow. The government must continue to create space for the private sector to lead. And communities — both rural and urban — must benefit.

Because energy is not just about electricity. It’s about empowerment.

And today, Zimbabwe has taken a bold step forward.

Mining, Messages, and the Mysterious Visitors of Ruwa: Zimbabwe’s Forgotten Warning from the Stars

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Mining, Messages, and the Mysterious Visitors of Ruwa: Zimbabwe’s Forgotten Warning from the Stars

On September 16, 1994, a quiet morning at Ariel School in Ruwa, Zimbabwe, turned into one of the most perplexing and profound moments in modern history. Over sixty schoolchildren reported seeing a strange craft descend from the sky and land near the bush surrounding their school. They claimed that beings with large heads, slender bodies, and massive black eyes emerged and communicated with them, not through speech, but telepathically.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The children, aged between six and twelve, were terrified, confused, and deeply affected. But what happened next was even more telling: instead of the world listening, it dismissed them.

Today, the Ariel School incident is often cited among the most compelling cases in UFO history. However, in Zimbabwe and much of Africa, it remains largely unacknowledged, obscured by layers of disbelief, skepticism, and colonial-era dismissal. Critics called it mass hysteria, a hoax, or childish imagination. But perhaps the truth is far more unsettling: that these children were telling the truth, and the world simply wasn’t ready to hear it, especially coming from Africa.

Why were the children not believed? Why did the narrative quickly shift toward discrediting them? And most importantly, what did the beings say? According to many of the children, the message was clear: humanity is endangering the planet through technology and environmental destruction.

Let’s pause here. This wasn’t just a UFO sighting. It was, at its heart, a warning. In the middle of a peaceful Zimbabwean schoolyard, far from Hollywood and telescopes, came a plea for environmental stewardship through the eyes of innocent children.

In a world now suffering under the weight of climate change, biodiversity collapse, water scarcity, and land degradation, that message rings louder than ever. Zimbabwe, too, stands at a crossroads. As we dig deeper into the earth to extract value through mining, especially with the rise of lithium, gold, platinum, and rare earths, we must ask:

Are we balancing development with sustainability? Or are we speeding toward the same crisis those children may have been warned about three decades ago?

Mining is essential for national development, and Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 relies heavily on the sector to achieve a middle-income economy. Yet unregulated artisanal mining, pollution of river systems, deforestation, and failure to rehabilitate mined-out land are creating scars that may never heal. Are we listening to the earth, or only to the profit margins?

What if the alien beings weren’t just watchers of the sky, but guardians of the earth? What if the beings chose Ruwa not by accident, but because Africa, with its relatively untouched lands and spiritual heritage, still has a chance to choose a different path?

Zimbabwe’s mining sector is growing rapidly. Lithium, called “white gold,” is fueling a green energy transition globally. Zimbabwe is home to massive lithium deposits in Bikita, Goromonzi, and Kamativi. But while the demand for lithium grows, so does the pressure on our environment. Tailings dams, water use conflicts, relocation of communities, and ESG obligations are now central challenges. Yet amid these technical and economic realities, we seldom return to the soul of the matter: what is our relationship with the land?

The Ariel School incident offers us an unusual lens—spiritual, moral, and ecological. It reminds us that our development must have direction, not just speed. Just as the children saw beings who warned about the destruction of Earth, Zimbabwe today sees the consequences of extractive industries that are not always mindful of the future.

Ruwa, at that moment, became a stage not just for an unexplained encounter, but for a conversation about truth, power, and planet. The children’s testimony was powerful, unified, and remarkably consistent—even decades later. Most of them, now adults scattered around the world, still stand by what they saw.

Their voices were pure. They had no incentive to lie. They weren’t seeking YouTube views or TV deals. They were traumatised. Some were mocked. Others were silenced by their families. But their truth never changed. That matters.

As we move toward more advanced mining practices, there is a push for environmental audits, community beneficiation, and the inclusion of local voices. Could we learn from the Ariel School children, who spoke a truth that was inconvenient but sincere? Could we apply the same principle listening to communities around Hwange, Mutoko, Marange, and Penhalonga, where mining operations often clash with traditional land use, water rights, and cultural values?

This story is not only Zimbabwean. It is planetary. But we, as Zimbabweans, hold the key to reshaping how the world sees it, not as a fringe incident, but as a profound message rooted in African soil.

Let us imagine a scenario: a young Zimbabwean geologist sits at a lithium mine near Arcadia, reading about the Ariel School case for the first time. Instead of dismissing it, he reflects: “If children once carried a message from beyond, maybe we are being asked to carry one now—from the Earth itself.”

That’s the power of the Ariel legacy. It invites introspection. It offers an opportunity to build a mining sector that doesn’t just extract—but regenerates. One that doesn’t just enrich the nation—but preserves its natural and spiritual wealth.

Imagine if every Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process began with a reading of the Ariel testimony. Imagine if miners, engineers, policymakers, and community leaders saw themselves not just as extractors, but as stewards—guardians of the earth, just as those children were briefly guardians of a cosmic message.

The warning given in 1994 could be the compass we need in 2025. Climate change is no longer a theory. Droughts, cyclones, and erratic rainfall patterns have reshaped farming. Rivers are running dry. Even artisanal miners know this—digging deeper for less, watching the rains delay year after year. What if we listened not just to machines and markets, but to memory? What if we remembered what was said that morning in Ruwa?

In schools, we teach science, geography, and economics. But the Ariel story teaches something deeper: the interconnectedness of all things—the land, the sky, the water, and the unseen forces that may still walk beside us.

This is not about superstition or folklore. It is about respecting knowledge, whether it comes in textbooks, satellite data, or the silent testimony of a child staring wide-eyed at the sky.

In 1994, the stars came to Ruwa. The world turned away. But today, we can turn back and listen—not only to what those children said, but to what the land, the air, and the spirit of our nation are still trying to say.

We were warned. Are we ready to act?

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