Mining ZimbabweLatest Mining News, Policy and Industry Updates

The High Court has ordered DDNS Security Operations, trading as Securico, to pay US$675,000 to How Mine after the security firm lost 11.95kg of gold bullion during an armed robbery on October 4, 2022, while transporting the precious cargo to Bulawayo.

How Mine accused Securico of failing to provide adequate and competent security for the consignment. The mine argued that the company did not use an armoured truck, deployed security personnel without panic buttons, and some guards lacked airtime to raise an alarm during the robbery.

Securico disputed the claim, maintaining that the robbery was an unforeseeable event and no amount of preparation or foresight could have prevented the loss.

However, in a judgment handed down on July 1, Justice Joseph Chilimbe ruled in favour of How Mine.

The judge stated:

“I must take due regard of the fact that officially, both parties (How Mine and Securico) were alive to the risks confronting bullion runs, not least of which was the compromise of security arrangements.

I must relate to a paradox emerging from the law and facts herein from that aspect. Securico as a public carrier was obliged, under the Praetor’s Edict’s strict liability, to deliver the consignment intact. It therefore assumed risk when it accepted the commission to ferry How Mine’s bullion under security arrangement which by Securico’s standards, were less than adequate.

But the law extended a reprieve to Securico in the event that loss of consignment was occasioned by superior force. The resultant anomaly however being that the same insufficient arrangements were, according to the evidence given and arguments raised by Securico, contributory to the causus fortuitus. Does the question not arise then that defendant walked into a situation which it knew very well could arise? What then is the effect of this possible conclusion on the defence of vis major (unavoidable event or circumstance, beyond the control of parties involved) tendered herein?

In its plea, Securico averred that the event was unforeseeable. In evidence, its witnesses accepted that robberies formed a well-known risk.”

Justice Chilimbe also criticised the failure by the security team to trigger alarms or call for backup, noting that this lack of response “bordered on negligence.”

He added that Securico transported the gold using “soft skin” vehicles instead of armoured vans and knowingly operated with limited firepower. The company had also instructed its guards not to engage robbers in gunfights, prioritising the preservation of life.

Said the judge:

“That decision (to preserve life) was crucial to the evaluation of the guards’ response during and after the robbery. The question being; – where a carrier sets out on a dangerous enterprise involving the prospect of violent depredations, does it not in fact assume the risk of loss where it restrains its personnel from boldly engaging the despoilers? And does that risk not escalate where there are known security inadequacies? Including deployment of a soft skin van which the staid Mr Marko Mukazi (Securico crew commander) condemned as clearly unfit for purpose?”

He concluded:

“… I reach the conclusion that Securico failed to discharge the requisite onus of proving the defence of vis major. How Mine succeeds in the main.

Securico is ordered to pay How Mine the sum of US$675,000 and interest thereon at the rate of 5 percent per annum with effect from October 4, 2022, up to date of payment in full.”

Advocate Thabani Mpofu represented How Mine, while Romeo Chatereza appeared for Securico.

The recruitment agency behind a mining job advert that appeared to favour foreign-educated candidates has issued a private apology in an attempt to quell backlash from a local labour union.

By Ryan Chigoche

The vacancy, advertised by Precision Recruitment International, was for a Mine General Manager position at an established mining company operating in Zimbabwe. The advert included a line specifying a preference for a qualification “preferably obtained from a university outside Zimbabwe,” a phrase that immediately provoked outrage and accusations of bias against local professionals.

This development comes after this publication highlighted the discriminatory language, with local labour unions also voicing concerns, condemning the agency for promoting exclusionary recruitment practices.

In a written email apology sent privately to a local labour union, seen by Mining Zimbabwe, a representative of the agency accepted responsibility for the wording, clarifying that the client had no input in the phrasing and had not requested any preference based on educational background. The recruiter claimed sole responsibility and confirmed the controversial phrasing was removed once concerns were raised.

“I am writing to offer my sincere apologies regarding the wording used in a recent advertisement for a Mining General Manager position that I posted last week. Upon reflection, I fully acknowledge that the phrasing in the advert did not align with Zimbabwe’s fair recruitment principles and could understandably raise concern. I wish to clarify that it was never my intention to undermine local talent or to deviate from ethical recruitment practices. My objective was solely to explore a broader pool of candidates, including those abroad, while still holding deep appreciation for the wealth of mining expertise available locally,” read part of the message.

While the agency acknowledged its mistake, its choice to issue a private apology rather than a public one has done little to ease frustrations within the sector. Many stakeholders expected a more transparent and accountable response, especially given the sensitivity of the issue.

Besides, the labour union only responded after being made aware of the job post by this publication.

The agency’s private apology sounds more of a damage control exercise than a genuine demonstration of accountability.

By placing sole responsibility on the wording and distancing the client from the issue, the agency risks appearing dismissive of the sector’s legitimate concerns.

Adding to that, merely apologising after public outcry is insufficient, and real progress will require a transparent commitment to addressing the underlying biases that allowed such an advert to be published.

The incident has reignited a broader debate about the devaluation of Zimbabwean-trained professionals in senior recruitment. Many contend that favouring foreign credentials, especially in a sector that relies heavily on local knowledge and leadership, undermines not only individuals but the national workforce as a whole.

As Zimbabwe’s mining industry continues to expand, pressure is mounting for more transparent, fair, and locally aligned hiring practices. For many, the agency’s private apology may have admitted fault, but it has yet to answer the larger questions it raised. Meanwhile, other stakeholders are also being urged to collaborate and enhance the quality, recognition, and perception of local qualifications to ensure Zimbabwean professionals receive fair opportunities.

Zimbabwe’s gold sector recorded a significant resurgence in June 2025, with total deliveries to Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) increasing by 22.3% month-on-month (MoM) to 4,265.4926 kilograms, up from 3,488.0623 kg in May, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The robust performance was driven by a sharp rebound in artisanal and small-scale miner (ASM) output and consistent contributions from large-scale producers.

ASM deliveries in June stood at 3,312.6102 kg, reflecting a 29.9% MoM increase from May’s 2,552.0986 kg. Large-scale miners also registered a modest uptick, with deliveries rising to 952.8824 kg, up 1.81% from 935.9637 kg in May.

The June output marks a recovery after a brief slowdown in May when total gold deliveries had fallen 9.48% MoM from April’s 3,853.5812 kg. The latest rebound affirms Zimbabwe’s steady upward trend in gold production, fueled largely by small-scale miners responding to high global gold prices and better returns from Fidelity Gold Refinery.

Second Quarter Output Up 36.6% from Q1 2025

Zimbabwe’s second-quarter gold production surged to 11,607.1361 kg, a 36.6% increase from 8,496.4132 kg recorded in the first quarter of 2025. This dramatic growth was largely driven by artisanal and small-scale miners, whose output rose from 5,770.8580 kg in Q1 to 8,790.8174 kg in Q2 — representing a 52.3% quarter-on-quarter increase.

Large-scale miners delivered 2,816.3187 kg in Q2, compared to 2,725.5552 kg in Q1, a 3.3% increase, highlighting the slower growth pace among formal operators amid persistent structural and capital-related challenges.

These figures reaffirm the dominance of the ASM sector, which continues to contribute the lion’s share of Zimbabwe’s gold output. In 2024, ASM accounted for more than 65% of total production, and the trend appears to be accelerating in 2025.

Year-on-Year Growth Reflects Sector Momentum

Although May saw a dip compared to April, the year-on-year (YoY) statistics illustrate sustained sectoral momentum. Total gold deliveries in May 2025 rose 27.6% YoY, reaching 3,488.0632 kg compared to 2,734.1329 kg in May 2024. ASM deliveries alone increased 52.06% YoY, while large-scale miners posted an 11.34% decline, reflecting the resilience and agility of small players amid national and global headwinds.

In contrast, April 2025 stood out as the strongest month yet, with 3,853.5812 kg delivered — a 47% YoY increase from April 2024’s 2,386.9067 kg. ASM contributed 2,926.1086 kg, marking an 82.42% YoY jump, while large-scale producers delivered 927.4726 kg, a 20.65% YoY decline.

Gold Exports and Investment Outlook

Driven by the strong performance in the first half of the year, Zimbabwe’s gold export earnings soared past US$740 million in the first five months of 2025 — up from US$590 million during the same period in 2024. The export growth is attributed to both volume increases and record global gold prices, which recently surpassed US$3,000 per ounce.

Economist Dr. Prosper Chitambara noted that gold’s appeal as a safe-haven asset amid global economic uncertainty has increased investor interest, strengthening Zimbabwe’s position as a key regional player. Tax consultant Simba Hamudi also predicted that gold would likely maintain its top spot in export receipts throughout 2025.

Ambitious Targets and Investment Needs

The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) has projected that gold output for 2025 could reach 52 tonnes, well above the official 40-tonne government target. ZMF President Henrietta Rushwaya emphasized the capacity of the ASM sector to deliver, provided that formalisation and input support are scaled up.

“This year, I’m sure we’re going to surpass the 40 tonnes that the government has earmarked for national gold production. We’ll probably come up with between 50 to 52 tonnes,” Rushwaya said.

Meanwhile, former Chamber of Mines President Thomas Gono underscored the need for over US$1 billion in investment to achieve Zimbabwe’s ambitious 100-tonne annual gold production vision, highlighting critical areas such as exploration, mechanisation, and beneficiation.

Zimbabwe’s gold sector is enjoying a resurgent year, with export earnings surpassing US$740 million in the first five months of 2025, significantly up from just over US$590 million during the same period last year, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Buoyed by record-high global prices and robust deliveries from artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM), the country’s gold industry is not only consolidating its position as the top foreign currency earner but also exceeding production forecasts.

According to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, gold exports remain on an upward trend, supported by global market prices that recently breached US$3,000 per ounce — their highest level on record. The bullish prices have fuelled investor confidence and revitalised local mining operations, particularly among small-scale producers.

Economist Dr. Prosper Chitambara attributed the positive momentum to global demand for gold as a safe-haven asset amid economic uncertainty.

“Gold is trending upwards, and this has ignited more investor interest, increasing the overall value of Zimbabwe’s exports,” he said.

Tax consultant Simba Hamudi echoed this sentiment, stating that if the current trajectory continues, gold will remain the top contributor to Zimbabwe’s export receipts through to the end of the year.

ZMF Projects Record Production

The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) has forecast that the country could produce up to 52 tonnes of gold in 2025, well above the government’s target of 40 tonnes. Speaking in Harare, ZMF President Henrietta Rushwaya expressed confidence in the sector’s ability to deliver.

“This year, I’m sure we’re going to surpass the 40 tonnes that the government has earmarked for national gold production. We’ll probably come up with between 50 to 52 tonnes,” Rushwaya said.

Her optimism is grounded in the extraordinary performance of the ASM sector, which contributed nearly 69% of total gold output in 2024. With improved incentives from Fidelity Gold Refinery, better prices, and increasing formalisation, small-scale miners are expanding their production capacity and becoming more bankable.

Production Trends and Market Realities

Official data from Fidelity Gold Refinery indicates that while gold deliveries declined 9.48% in May compared to April 2025 — falling to 3,488.06 kg from 3,853.58 kg — the year-on-year picture remains overwhelmingly positive. Compared to May 2024, gold output rose 27.6%, highlighting the strength of the sector.

The ASM sector delivered 2,552.10 kg in May 2025, marking a 52% increase from the same month last year, despite a slight dip from April’s record haul. Large-scale miners, meanwhile, delivered 935.96 kg in May — a modest month-on-month gain but an 11.34% drop compared to May 2024, underlining the challenges they face with high production costs and limited access to capital.

April 2025 stands out as the year’s strongest month so far, with deliveries totalling 3,853.58 kg — a 47% increase from April 2024. ASM was responsible for 2,926.11 kg, an 82.42% year-on-year surge, while large-scale producers contributed less than 1,000 kg.

The first quarter of 2025 recorded 8,496.41 kg of gold deliveries, up 40.5% from Q1 2024. ASM’s contribution of 5,770.86 kg represented a staggering 99% increase compared to the previous year.

Calls for Investment and Structured Support

ZMF President Rushwaya stressed the need for increased support to ASM players, calling on the government to introduce an input support scheme similar to that used in agriculture.

“If farmers get inputs every season, why can’t we have a similar programme for small-scale miners? This would boost production dramatically,” she said.

Rushwaya also reaffirmed the need for structured stakeholder engagement to resolve land-use conflicts and strengthen sustainable mining practices.

“We need structured engagement between all stakeholders. That’s the only way to protect our communities, grow the sector, and formalise ASM operations sustainably.”

100-Tonne Ambition Requires Over US$1 Billion

Former Chamber of Mines President Thomas Gono recently stated that Zimbabwe could reach 100 tonnes of gold production annually, but only if bold investments are made across the value chain. Gono estimates that over US$1 billion is needed to fund exploration, mechanisation, and processing capacity for both ASM and large-scale operations.

“There is no doubt Zimbabwe can reach 100 tonnes of gold production per year, but it will require coordinated investment of over a billion dollars,” Gono said.

Challenges Remain

Despite the optimism, Rushwaya raised concerns over some aspects of the Mines and Minerals Bill, particularly around community protection and the participation of foreign miners within claims meant for locals.

“We now have pegging taking place less than 100 metres from people’s homes — even across graveyards. That’s disrespectful and must be addressed,” she warned.

Rushwaya also challenged the continued allocation of 40-hectare claims to foreign nationals.

“A person coming to mine 40 hectares cannot be called an investor. That space is meant for locals,” she added.

A Sector in Transition

The Zimbabwean gold mining industry is at a turning point. Global prices, strong ASM performance, and increased formalisation have created momentum, but long-term success will require sustained investment, modernisation of legal frameworks, and consistent stakeholder support.

With the right policies and partnerships, Zimbabwe could not only surpass its 2025 targets but also lay the foundation for a century-defining gold economy.

The Planet Gold Zimbabwe project is targeting a major environmental milestone—eliminating over 4.85 tonnes of mercury from the country’s artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASM) sector over the next five years, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe, Planet Gold Project Manager Nyaradzo Mutonhori said this effort is part of Zimbabwe’s broader commitment to safer, more sustainable mining practices under the Minamata Convention on Mercury. She noted that the programme is being co-chaired by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife.

“We aim to reduce the use of mercury by 4.85 tonnes in five years. This aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Action Plan under the Minamata Convention, which is hosted by the Ministry of Environment,” said Mutonhori.

Searching for Safer, Chemical-Free Gold Processing Methods

The project is currently evaluating alternative technologies to mercury use, with a strong preference for chemical-free methods over options like cyanide, which, while effective, also poses serious health and environmental risks.

“While cyanide may be considered, it’s still a hazardous chemical. We are focused on identifying safer, mercury-free, and ideally chemical-free processing technologies,” Mutonhori explained.

She said the project is committed to finding solutions that avoid introducing new risks into mining communities while improving gold recovery and reducing environmental harm.

National Coordination Through a Multi-Stakeholder Committee

Planet Gold Zimbabwe is being implemented through a Project Steering Committee that includes key institutions such as the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF), Fidelity Gold Refineries, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, and several other regulatory departments.

“It’s a coordinated national effort. We have all the critical stakeholders on board, from miners to regulators. Collaboration is central to achieving our goals,” she said.

Tackling Mercury Use in ASM: A National Priority

Mercury remains widely used in Zimbabwe’s ASM sector due to its low cost and simplicity in gold amalgamation. However, the toxic metal poses significant threats to human health, ecosystems, and water sources, especially in rural mining communities.

Zimbabwe’s commitment to mercury reduction under the Minamata Convention signals a shift toward a modernised and responsible mining model—one where economic development does not come at the cost of public health and the environment.

A mining company preparing to launch operations in Zimbabwe has come under fire from the Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers’ Union (ZDAMWU) and other industry stakeholders after advertising a senior leadership role that appears to devalue Zimbabwean mining engineering qualifications.

By Ryan Chigoche

The job vacancy, posted by recruitment agency Precision Recruitment International, calls for a General Manager with a Mining Engineering degree “preferably obtained from a university outside Zimbabwe.”

The wording has drawn sharp criticism from ZDAMWU, which told Mining Zimbabwe that the advert raises serious questions about the recognition and value placed on local qualifications and skills.

“The recent advertisement… raises important questions about the perceived value and recognition of local mining engineering qualifications and whether the investors coming to invest in Zimbabwe do value local qualifications and skills,” said ZDAMWU General Secretary Justice Chinhema.

Zimbabwe’s mining sector has, for decades, been led by professionals trained at local institutions. Even during the country’s most difficult economic periods, local engineers have played a central role in sustaining production across gold, platinum, diamond, and other mineral operations.

Critics argue that the advert sends a damaging message about the credibility of Zimbabwean qualifications at a time when many local engineers continue to lead major mining projects both domestically and abroad.

The controversy has also reignited debate over the state of Zimbabwe’s engineering education system. While some acknowledge that ongoing economic challenges may have strained local institutions, many insist that Zimbabwean-trained engineers remain highly capable and experienced in managing mining operations in the country’s unique geological and socio-economic context.

ZDAMWU Calls for Fair Recruitment Practices

In comments to Mining Zimbabwe, ZDAMWU acknowledged that international exposure can benefit professionals but strongly warned against undermining local skills.

“It is crucial that these qualifications are seen as credible and competitive on both local and international platforms,” ZDAMWU said.

While strongly advocating for the development and recognition of Zimbabwean mining engineering qualifications, the union warned that giving preference to foreign qualifications “may inadvertently undermine the confidence of local professionals and could contribute to a perception that local expertise is less valuable.”

ZDAMWU urged mining companies to adopt “fair and transparent recruitment policies” that recognize the quality of Zimbabwean qualifications and experience. It also called on regulatory bodies, training institutions, and industry stakeholders to work together to strengthen local training programs and enhance global competitiveness.

“ZDAMWU remains committed to advocating for fair employment practices, recognition of local talent, and the development of a robust and self-sufficient mining workforce in Zimbabwe,” Chinhema said.

The advert comes at a time when the government is actively pushing for greater local content, empowerment, and skills recognition across the mining sector. As the controversy continues to spark debate, attention will now turn to how the mining company and its recruitment partners respond.