Mining ZimbabweLatest Mining News, Policy and Industry Updates

In a landmark development for Matabeleland North, Bravura Group, a pan-African mining giant, has made history by becoming the first company in the region to construct houses for its workers as part of the revival of Kamativi Tin Mine. In addition to creating jobs, the company has prioritized skills transfer by training unskilled local youth, demonstrating a strong commitment to both community upliftment and sustainable development in the region, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

With the construction of a state-of-the-art lithium processing plant at Kamativi Mine, Bravura is set to produce 300,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate annually from lithium tailings. This significant investment marks a key milestone for Zimbabwe’s mining sector under the Second Republic, adding to the economic potential of Matabeleland North and contributing to national development goals.

Bravura’s approach to the Kamativi project is holistic, focusing not only on mining but also on improving the living conditions of workers and the local community. The company recently handed over six newly constructed houses to the government as part of relocation plans necessitated by the expansion of the mine. The six houses—comprising four eight-roomed units and two nine-roomed units—replaced six homes demolished to pave the way for the lithium processing plant.

The new housing initiative sets Bravura apart from other investors who have operated in Matabeleland North in recent years. Unlike previous investors, particularly those of Asian origin, Bravura is the first to prioritize building housing for its workforce, a move widely commended by local authorities and community leaders.

“We are very happy about the houses. They are the first of their kind, and we suggested that they be partitioned to accommodate two families each, as they are quite large. We want other companies to take a leaf from Bravura,” said Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Matabeleland North, Hon. Richard Moyo, during the handover ceremony.

Bravura’s investment in Kamativi is expected to create 400 new jobs by the end of the year, providing a much-needed boost to a region that has been economically marginalized for years. Many of these jobs will go to local youth, who will receive on-the-job training as part of the company’s commitment to skills transfer. This approach will ensure that the benefits of the project extend beyond skilled professionals, empowering unskilled workers to develop valuable competencies in the mining industry.

“It’s quite significant that about 400 jobs will be created, and many of these positions will be for local youth who will be trained on-site. This project is giving opportunities to people who would otherwise be left out,” said Hon. Moyo.

Presidential Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary, Eng. Tafadzwa Muguti, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of training and development for the local workforce. “We encourage Bravura to continue on-the-job training for locals rather than relying solely on skilled workers. This will ensure that unskilled people, especially the youth, can benefit from this project,” he said.

Bravura’s Lithium Project Head, Dr. Tafadzwa Muridzi, highlighted the economic impact of the company’s investment, noting that the project will significantly contribute to Zimbabwe’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through increased lithium production. Dr. Muridzi also emphasized the importance of creating long-term value for the local community.

“This is a significant project for Zimbabwe because we will be contributing towards the total lithium processed in the country. In addition to adding value to the economy, we will be creating jobs and developing the community, which will have a lasting impact,” said Dr. Muridzi.

The company is also building a new campsite to house workers during the plant’s construction phase, with plans to eventually accommodate over 350 employees on-site. This initiative ensures that the workforce will be adequately housed, further demonstrating Bravura’s commitment to worker welfare and community development.

Bravura is one of two companies operating at the former Kamativi Tin Mine, alongside Kamativi Mining Company (KMC), a Chinese-owned firm that holds the rights to mine lithium in the area. While KMC focuses on direct lithium extraction, Bravura is tasked with processing the lithium tailings left behind by the former tin mine, a critical component of the country’s efforts to tap into its rich lithium reserves.

Eng. Muguti expressed his excitement over the involvement of an African company in the Kamativi project, emphasizing the importance of Bravura’s investment in uplifting the community. “For a Nigerian company to come into Kamativi and start uplifting this community is quite significant. We have mostly seen Asian and European investors, so it is refreshing to see an African brother leading this initiative,” he said.

The Kamativi project has garnered widespread attention for its potential to transform the region’s economy. As part of its broader strategy, Bravura has committed to ensuring sustainable development and maintaining a strong focus on corporate social responsibility.

In line with the government’s vision for a sustainable mining sector, Bravura has taken steps to ensure that its operations are environmentally responsible. The company has adopted eco-friendly practices that minimize the environmental impact of its lithium processing plant while actively working to rehabilitate the land around the former tin mine.

Minister Moyo commended Bravura for its commitment to sustainability, noting that the company’s investment aligns with President Mnangagwa’s vision of leveraging Africa’s natural resources for long-term development.

“Bravura’s investment is in sync with President Mnangagwa’s assertion that Africans must move beyond narratives of natural resources being a blessing or a curse. We must leverage our resources to build our continent, leaving no place and no one behind,” said Minister Moyo.

As the Kamativi project moves forward, Bravura’s focus on sustainability, job creation, and skills transfer positions the company as a leader in responsible mining practices in Zimbabwe. The company’s holistic approach to community development, infrastructure investment, and worker welfare is setting a new standard for mining operations in the region.

With the lithium processing plant set to begin operations by the end of 2025, Bravura’s impact on Kamativi is expected to be transformative. The project will not only revive the former tin mine but also pave the way for long-term economic growth and community development in Matabeleland North.

“We are proud of the progress being made at Kamativi and look forward to continued collaboration with Bravura to improve the lives of our people,” said Minister Moyo.

Zimbabwe’s second-biggest platinum group metals (PGM) producer, Mimosa, recorded a 5% year-on-year increase in its attributable 4E PGM production for the six months ending December 31, 2024, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The rise, which brought production to 122,639 4E ounces, is attributed to a 6% increase in tonnes milled and higher plant recoveries following significant optimization projects at the plant.

During the period, tonnes milled or treated at Mimosa reached 734 kilotonnes (KT), a slight dip from the 735 KT recorded for the six months ending June 30, 2024, but a notable improvement compared to the 712 KT milled in the same period of 2023. This consistent improvement in milling capacity can be largely attributed to the successful commissioning of a plant optimization project in 2023.

The plant head grade for the six months ending December 31, 2024, was 3.39 g/t, marginally higher than the 3.38 g/t and 3.37 g/t recorded for June 2024 and December 2023, respectively. These incremental increases in grade, coupled with optimized recovery processes, contributed to the enhanced production figures.

Plant recoveries stood at 76.25% for the six-month period ending December 31, 2024, compared to 77.19% for the six months ending June 2024 and 76.47% for the period ending December 2023. While there was a slight dip in recoveries, overall efficiency remains high, indicating steady operational effectiveness.

The yield for Mimosa remained stable at 2.58 g/t for the six months ending December 31, 2024, unchanged from December 2023 but slightly lower than the 2.61 g/t recorded for June 2024. Despite minor fluctuations, the yield remained strong, supporting the overall increase in production.

For the six months ending December 31, 2024, total PGM production was 60,971 4E ounces, a slight decrease from the 61,668 4E ounces produced in the six months ending June 2024. However, it marked an improvement compared to the 58,966 4E ounces produced in the corresponding period in 2023.

Mimosa reported a 48% decrease in sustaining capital expenditure to US$30 million (R548 million) for the six months ending December 2024. This sharp decline is linked to the completion of the new tailings storage facility (TSF), commissioned in April 2024. The decline in capital expenditure has had a positive impact on the operation’s All-in Sustaining Cost (AISC), which dropped by 13% to US$1,152/4Eoz (R21,103/4Eoz) for the period.

Mimosa sold 59,349 4E ounces during the six months ending December 2024, up from 58,146 ounces in June 2024 and 56,838 ounces in December 2023. This reflects a steady increase in marketable production, driven by improved plant performance and higher throughput.

The average PGM basket price realized during the period was R22,162 per 4E ounce, slightly down from R22,283 in June 2024 and significantly lower than R22,819 recorded in December 2023. In US dollar terms, the basket price averaged US$1,237/4Eoz for December 2024, up from US$1,190 in June 2024 but higher than US$1,226 in December 2023.

Mimosa’s strong performance in 2024, particularly the increase in production and cost savings achieved through reduced sustaining capital and operational costs, sets the operation on a strong footing for future growth. The commissioning of new infrastructure, coupled with efforts to optimize production and reduce costs, will likely result in further operational improvements in 2025 and beyond.

With continuous investments in technology, safety, and environmental sustainability, Mimosa is well-positioned to maintain its role as a key player in Zimbabwe’s PGM industry, contributing to the country’s mining sector growth and revenue generation.

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is vehemently opposed to the appointment of Ben Magara as the new CEO  of Exxaro Resources. The Exxaro board has not been engaging with us in good faith in that we had a meeting with them on 19th February 2025 with the follow-up meeting scheduled for 17th March 2025 discussing the CEO saga in the company.

“Since the NUM is a mandate-driven organization, we had to consult our members who constitute more than 80% across the group to ascertain the marching orders from our constituency about the suspension of the then CEO Dr Nombasa Tsengwa.  The feeling of our members on the ground was that Nombasa Tsengwa would remain the darling of the workers and workers are willing to do anything to have her back at Exxaro as it is clear that her suspension was unjust and unfair since her sins were insourcing core business within the group which gives sustainable jobs to our members. This insourcing approach by the suspended CEO happened to be acting against the interest of the board that is for outsourcing business with the aim of self-enrichment.  Before we could give feedback on the feelings of our members and have meaningful engagement on the scheduled meeting on the 17th of March 2025, Ben Magara was appointed the new CEO,” said Tshilidzi Mathavha, NUM Highveld Regional Secretary.

The NUM has been engaging the board on the state of affairs at Exxaro, specifically the way the Board has orchestrated the suspension of the former CEO Dr Nombasa Tsengwa to disguise its protection of Kgabi Masia from facing a fair process of investigation for misconduct. Ben Magara was allegedly part of this orchestration, he was a part of the decision to suspend and charge the former CEO and also supported the smokescreen created by the Board to shield Kgabi Masia’s misconduct and irregular activities that have resulted in over-expenditure in the trucking of coal to Maputo. Having overspent by more than 40% in coal logistics to Maputo compared to other mining companies in the same area.

It is no surprise that Grinrod, a company Ben Magara is a director was advantaged over other competent companies, nominated as the sole service provider to truck and rail coal from Exxaro mines to Maputo at exorbitant rates, yet to a Grinrod Coal Terminal. It is unheard of in our industry that one company provides a wall-to-wall logistics solution, (ie. trucking, railing and loading) created specifically for Exxaro to its terminal. It is uncompetitive to do this especially with a director of Grinrod seating on the Board, and also in the Logistics subcommittee of the Board where these decisions are discussed and approved. These matters are still under the Bowman’s investigation on Masia, and Magara is very conflicted and we do not believe there will be a fair outcome with him at the helm. He’ll never go against a company he is also an active director of.

We believe the abuse of primary mining equipment rentals is deliberate as Masia strategically delayed the purchase of trucks from reputable companies and opted to rent trucks from unheard-of companies in Belarus, also meant to benefit companies like Tau Mining with little or no technical support for their equipment. Also irregular mining standards and massive losses at Leeuwpan are still under Masia’s prolonged and ever ongoing investigation. Therefore we have no confidence that Ben Magara and the Board will be keen to expose Masia given the current Board’s intention to cover Masia up through a prolonged tedious investigation compared to the hastened ENS report on the former CEO that was rushed so that Ben Magara can be appointed within 4 weeks of the former CEOs resignation. Why? Was this pre-determined? We believe Ben Magara is only coming to the CEO seat to implement the Board’s agenda including its business interests as we have mentioned before to the Chairman of the Board.

How is Magara appointed with all his personal business interests which overlap to those of Exxaro, namely copper, manganese, lithium, logistics, coal etc?

We are also aware of Magara’s role in the demise of Lonmin post-2013 when he took over as CEO and Director there. He is known to disrespect the voices of employees and more so of women. As his previous record, we expect him to retrench and fire employees at will. Exxaro has made massive losses in 2024 from the cost burden in the coal business under Masia, and given Magara’s record we have no confidence in his ability to preserve jobs for our members. The news headlines alone during his tenure at Lonmin tell the story of Magara’s track record.

We believe Magara’s swift appointment and announcement were pre-planned, aimed at confusing the market and covering up the extent of losses resulting from Masia’s conduct. We are aggrieved about the continued disregard of our plea to the Chairman to curb corruption in the company and we are left with no option but to approach Exxaro’s shareholders on the risk of working under the leadership of Magara and the Board that seems to care more about their business interests rather than those of the workforce, shareholders and stakeholders at large. This appointment has indicated the refusal by the Board to listen to us as organised labour, representing about 80% of its employees. Therefore, we raise this matter as urgent and cannot wait for a Monday meeting after this unfortunate announcement when the signs are clear of the unstoppable interests perpetuated by the Board.