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The Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, has stressed the urgent need to find viable alternatives to mercury use before it can be completely phased out in the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector.

By Ryan Chigoche

This comes amid ongoing concerns that, despite Zimbabwe’s ratification of the Minamata Convention on Mercury and a formal ban on its use in mining in 2020, mercury remains widely used, especially among small-scale gold miners.

The Minamata Convention is a global treaty designed to protect human health and the environment from the harmful effects of mercury.

While the ban is a step in the right direction, challenges in enforcement and access to alternative methods continue to hinder full compliance.

At a recent event in Harare, Chief Government Mining Engineer Eng. Michael Munodawafa acknowledged these challenges and outlined ongoing efforts to find sustainable solutions.

“We are also starting to do some research with other institutions on alternative methods which completely move away from the use of mercury. But we are still a long way. Because you can only ban something and say you don’t want to use mercury anymore, here is the solution. But before we get the solution, we can’t say we ban mercury completely. But once we get the solutions, we can come up with, like in the next two years, that no more mercury, no more importation of mercury. We end here. We only need to use the alternative methods. But at the moment, we are still working on that,” Munodawafa said.

Zimbabwe ratified the Minamata Convention in December 2020, becoming the 116th country to join the treaty. Adopted in 2013 and enforced globally since 2017, the Convention requires countries to eliminate mercury use in sectors such as small-scale gold mining, where it poses severe environmental and public health risks.

Mercury contamination can poison water sources and the food chain, affecting both miners and surrounding communities.

Although mercury-free gold extraction methods such as gravity concentration, sluicing, and cyanide use are available, adoption has been slow due to limited access to equipment, training, and financing, especially in remote mining areas.

To support the transition, Zimbabwe is part of the planetGOLD project, an initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

In partnership with the Zimbabwean government and the non-profit organisation IMPACT, the project aims to formalise ASM operations, introduce mercury-free technologies, provide access to finance, and raise awareness about the dangers of mercury.

The project targets 7,500 miners—both men and women—across 11 districts and is expected to prevent the release of up to 4.85 tonnes of mercury.

While progress is being made, authorities acknowledge that a full ban on mercury will only be realistic once safe, effective, and accessible alternatives are in place.

As the country works toward that goal, collaboration between government, miners, and development partners remains critical to ensure a just and sustainable transition.

The Government of Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its strong support for Mimosa Mining Company’s strategic vision to extend its life of mine by up to 15 years, even as the platinum miner grapples with a 40% decline in revenue due to depressed global metal prices, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

In a significant show of confidence, key government officials, including the Ministers of Finance and Mines, visited the Zvishavane-based operation and pledged to create a conducive investment framework to sustain jobs, production, and long-term viability.

Mimosa’s current life of mine stands at eight years, but the company is actively pursuing the development of the North Hill ore body, which could add 12 to 15 more years of production. The mine, jointly owned by Impala Platinum and Sibanye-Stillwater, is facing headwinds from a prolonged slump in PGM prices, alongside challenges related to Zimbabwe’s foreign currency retention regime.

During the high-level tour, Minister of Finance and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, emphasised the government’s readiness to assist Mimosa in navigating these challenges and unlocking new investment.

“We are very supportive of this business here in Mimosa because it is a very important company in the community, in the local economy in Zvishavane, and beyond,” said Minister Ncube. “Directly, the mine employs about 3,900 people, and indirectly, over 8,000 people rely on this operation. It is a national asset.”

He noted that the mine’s vision to develop the lower-grade North Hill resource will require significant capital, and the government is open to policy adjustments to support the initiative.

“The miners’ desire is to develop the North Hill ore body and blend it with the current South Hill ore body. They have asked for support from the government to raise adequate resources. Once we receive their formal proposal, we stand ready to support this investment,” said Ncube.

Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Winston Chitando, reinforced that discussions were already progressing and would be aligned with Zimbabwe’s drive to grow the mining sector to support Vision 2030.

“We are getting an update on Mimosa’s proposals to extend the life of mine and develop the North Hill ore body. Discussions will be ongoing so that the government can facilitate the investment needed to maintain employment and production,” he said.

Mimosa Managing Director, Fungai Makoni, confirmed that the company had suspended North Hill development due to the global downturn but remained committed to long-term sustainability. Talks with the government are focused on access to foreign currency and a support framework to revive the project.

“We are in discussions with both the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Mines around a support framework. The focus is on access to foreign currency and funding availability to enable the North Hill project,” Makoni said.

The company has already invested heavily in operational resilience, including the US$75 million Tailings Storage Facility 4 (TSF-4) and a US$40 million plant optimisation program initiated in 2021, designed to improve recovery, energy efficiency, and prepare for tailings retreatment in the future.

As the government shows strong political will to back its flagship mines, Mimosa’s story could be a blueprint for balancing survival, sustainability, and long-term growth in Zimbabwe’s PGM industry.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed the imprisonment of Kudakwashe Mapinda of Siakobvu, who was convicted of illegal gold panning and sentenced to two years in prison, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

This comes as the Zimbabwean government intensifies its nationwide crackdown on illegal mining, particularly riverbed activities that are endangering ecosystems and depleting national water resources.

According to court proceedings at the Karoi Magistrates’ Court, Mapinda was apprehended on May 5, 2025, by game rangers while illegally prospecting for gold along the Karongwe River. He was caught red-handed after diverting water and shovelling mud into a wooden panning dish. Upon questioning, it was established that he had no mining license, prospecting order, or any official authority to conduct mining activities.

This high-profile sentencing follows the recent conviction of Simbarashe Chayambuka, a 38-year-old man from Mount Darwin, who was fined US$200 for illegal riverbed mining along the Fuse River. Chayambuka was caught by Ruia Mine security guards on March 4, 2025, using rudimentary tools to extract minerals. He was handed over to the Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit (MFFU) and later appeared in court, where he pleaded guilty.

The mounting prosecutions highlight a broader government campaign against illegal mining activities. The Zimbabwean government last banned all riverbed mining and desiltation activities, citing irreversible environmental damage caused by such practices. The Cabinet emphasized that large-scale mechanical alluvial mining—ongoing since 2011—has devastated rivers like Nyagadzi, Mazowe, and Insiza, significantly affecting water supply and biodiversity.

Information Minister Hon. Jenfan Muswere stated, “The destruction of rivers through alluvial mining has resulted in severe environmental consequences, from water pollution to the disruption of ecosystems. The damage has far outweighed any potential benefits.”

Bulawayo’s Umzingwane Dam, which is sitting at a dangerously low 2% capacity, has further underscored the urgency of the government’s actions. Authorities now view illegal mining around water sources as a national threat, contributing to siltation and contamination of vital water supplies.

The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) has backed the government’s move to outlaw riverbed mining. ZMF President Ms. Henrietta Rushwaya welcomed the ban, saying it aligns with the Federation’s goal of promoting sustainable and responsible mining practices.

“We are very pleased with this decision. Riverbed mining was hindering our efforts toward sustainable mining due to its adverse effects on the ecosystem,” Rushwaya told Mining Zimbabwe.

ZMF has recently developed a tailor-made Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy for Zimbabwe’s Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) sector. This initiative seeks to align ASM activities with global environmental and human rights standards, emphasizing decarbonization, water stewardship, and responsible resource extraction.

“Although decarbonization is rarely linked to ASM operations, we believe incorporating solar energy into ASM practices will significantly contribute to the decarbonization agenda,” Rushwaya added.

The combined sentencing of Mapinda and Chayambuka sends a strong message to illegal miners and syndicates across Zimbabwe. The era of unchecked riverbed mining appears to be over as the government, judiciary, and mining authorities align to protect Zimbabwe’s natural resources.

The NPA’s firm stance, reflected in its news bulletin slogan “Combating Crime and Corruption,” reinforces the administration’s commitment to preserving natural ecosystems and combating the criminal elements that have long operated with impunity in the country’s informal mining sector.

As Zimbabwe continues to battle the effects of climate change and water scarcity, these enforcement actions are not just about legality—they are about ensuring national sustainability for future generations.

Zimbabwe’s diamond industry defied global market trends with an extraordinary 912% surge in exports in April 2025, rising from $3.66 million in March to $33.47 million, according to the latest trade data from Zimstat.

This sharp rise comes at a time when global diamond prices have plummeted—from $3,400 per carat in 2020 to just $900 by 2024, marking a 74% decrease.

Despite the uptick in exports, Zimbabwe’s diamond sector is navigating significant headwinds.

Key challenges include steep U.S. tariffs starting at 10% and potentially rising due to political uncertainty and the growing dominance of lab-grown diamonds (LGDs).

These synthetically produced stones, chemically identical to natural ones, are often sold at an 80% discount.

Their affordability has shifted market preferences, particularly in the U.S., where they now surpass mined diamonds in volume.

A turning point came in 2021 when Pandora, the world’s largest jewellery brand by volume, ceased selling mined diamonds. Since then, lab-grown diamonds have gained significant traction, especially in the U.S., which accounts for over half of global polished diamond demand.

Although the April 2025 export spike is impressive, it still falls short of Zimbabwe’s peak performance.

The country previously achieved highs of $115.86 million in July 2023, as well as $66.38 million in May 2023 and $57.89 million in March 2024.

Such fluctuations underscore the volatility in Zimbabwe’s diamond trade.

Zimbabwe remains the world’s seventh-largest diamond producer, earning $938.7 million in export revenue since 2021.

However, the government’s $1 billion target, set in 2022, remains unmet, highlighting underlying structural issues in the industry.

The country’s diamond production is largely driven by a few major players, primarily state-linked enterprises.

The Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC), established in 2016 after the state ousted private firms from the Marange fields over corruption, is the largest producer. ZCDC yielded 4.5 million carats in 2022.

Anjin Investments, a partnership between China’s Anhui Foreign Economic Construction Group and the Zimbabwean military’s Matt Bronze, was reinstated in 2019 after being expelled in 2016 over financial mismanagement. Its return has boosted production.

Russian diamond giant ALROSA, the world’s top producer by volume, is also deepening its investment in Zimbabwe.

After initial exploration in 2013 and a temporary exit in 2016, ALROSA resumed operations in 2019 and has since secured 40 Special Grants and Exclusive Prospecting Orders.

RioZim, better known for gold, contributes through its Murowa mine, further solidifying Zimbabwe’s place among global producers.

Yet, the country’s production has seen dramatic shifts.

From a high of over 12 million carats annually in the early 2010s, output dropped due to depleted alluvial resources and underinvestment.

The recent rise suggests recovery, but long-term sustainability depends on reform.

According to industry experts, tax reform is critical.

Zimbabwe’s rigid 10% royalty, paired with additional taxes, burdens investors. In contrast, Botswana offers incentives for local processing, lowering the effective tax rate and encouraging reinvestment.

To remain competitive, Zimbabwe must revise its tax policies, encourage local value addition, and attract investment through efficiency, innovation, and partnerships.

Planet Gold Zimbabwe is rolling out pilot demonstration sites nationwide to introduce mercury-free gold processing technologies aimed at boosting gold recovery rates while making artisanal and small-scale gold mining cleaner and safer.

By Ryan Chigoche

The initiative, now six months into implementation, is part of a broader four-pillar strategy designed to address deeply rooted challenges within Zimbabwe’s ASGM sector. These include limited formalisation, poor access to finance, and low awareness of the environmental and health hazards associated with conventional gold processing methods.

In 2024, artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) in Zimbabwe produced 36 tonnes of the yellow metal, accounting for around 65% of the official gold deliveries—an immense contribution that cannot be ignored.

This year, the sector is aiming to produce 40 tonnes, which is a significant increase in gold production for the ASM sector in Zimbabwe.

With such a vital role in the country’s gold output, the need for sustainable and safe mining practices is more urgent than ever. Planet Gold Zimbabwe’s approach seeks to revolutionise the sector by promoting innovative solutions that protect both miners’ health and the environment while maximising gold recovery.

Nyaradzo Mutonhori, Project Manager of Planet Gold Zimbabwe, explained that the third pillar of the program is focused on the introduction of mercury-free technologies, which aim to not only eliminate the use of mercury but also increase gold recovery rates.

“We are hoping to set up pilot mercury-free technology demonstration sites in the different provinces and really drive innovative technologies that are mercury-free, but also technologies that will improve the amount of gold recovered in the processing of the mineral,” Mutonhori said.

Mercury, a toxic substance widely used by small-scale miners in gold extraction, poses serious risks to personal health and the environment. Its continued use is tied to a range of systemic challenges, including limited access to cleaner technologies and a general lack of awareness about its dangers.

An Integrated Approach to a More Productive, Cleaner, Safer Small-Scale Gold Mining

Planet Gold Zimbabwe is tackling the challenges of artisanal and small-scale gold mining through a four-pronged strategy that goes beyond technology to address deeper structural issues in the sector. At the heart of this strategy is the belief that improving the ASGM sector requires interventions that are interconnected—from formalisation to finance, technology, and education.

The first pillar of the project focuses on optimising formalisation. Planet Gold Zimbabwe believes that improving the formalisation of the ASGM sector will help build a more sustainable and organised industry, one that can continue contributing meaningfully to the country’s economic development. Formalisation is seen as a gateway to stronger regulation, better safety standards, and increased accountability.

The second component of the project is centred on financial inclusion and responsible supply chains. Limited access to capital remains a key barrier preventing small-scale miners from adopting cleaner, more efficient technologies.

By improving their credit profiles and supporting the development of responsible supply chains, the project aims to open up new financing mechanisms tailored specifically to artisanal miners. The ultimate goal is to move miners beyond the “small-scale” label, helping them grow their operations into more resilient and profitable enterprises, according to the project manager.

The third pillar, which represents the core mandate of Planet Gold Zimbabwe, is the introduction of mercury-free technologies.

The project plans to establish pilot demonstration sites across different provinces, showcasing innovative processing technologies that eliminate the use of mercury while also improving gold recovery rates. This approach responds to both environmental concerns and the need to boost productivity in the sector.

Lastly, the fourth pillar addresses a critical but often overlooked issue: the lack of awareness. Planet Gold Zimbabwe is rolling out awareness campaigns aimed at educating miners about the dangers of mercury and the benefits of alternative methods.

These campaigns will involve the creation of knowledge tools and materials designed to encourage behavioural change and reduce the use of toxic chemicals in gold processing.

Together, these four components form a comprehensive and integrated response to the complex challenges facing Zimbabwe’s small-scale gold mining sector.

Government Backing and Sector Coordination

Planet Gold Zimbabwe is guided by a Project Steering Committee co-chaired by the Minister of Mines and Mining Development and the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife. Other ministries involved include Finance and Home Affairs, underlining the multi-sectoral support for the initiative.

This week, stakeholders gathered to unpack Zimbabwe’s national ASGM strategy, reviewing how it can be strengthened and used to tackle the sector’s persistent problems.

Engineer Munodawafa emphasised the urgency of funding innovation and phasing out dangerous mining practices like mercury use, which continues to threaten ecosystems and human health.

“Then we also need to address how we can resource the research, and also new methods of mining… Mercury is damaging a lot of our environment and even our health,” he said.

He also challenged artisanal miners to aim higher and embrace the opportunity for growth.

“We want to grow. Everyone should be moving up the ladder, not going down the ladder… If you see yourself going down the ladder, something is very wrong. You need to correct that, like yesterday. Because we all need to move up.”

The remarks echo Planet Gold Zimbabwe’s goals of enabling miners to transition toward formal, safer, and more profitable practices.

“Today we are here as a solution for miners, for the challenges that we still face in this very critical sector that continues to play a key role in our economy and in community life,” Mutonhori added.

The planetGOLD project in Zimbabwe aims to reduce mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining by promoting formalisation, improving access to finance, encouraging the adoption of mercury-free technologies, and raising awareness.

Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the project is executed by the international non-profit IMPACT, in close collaboration with the Zimbabwean government.

Zimbabwe is one of 25 countries participating in the global planetGOLD program. Locally, the project aims to benefit 7,500 miners across 11 districts, with the potential to prevent 4.85 tonnes of mercury emissions.

It is also a key part of Zimbabwe’s efforts to fulfil its obligations under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which the country has ratified.

The convention is a global treaty that seeks to phase out mercury use across various sectors, including mining.

As Zimbabwe works toward a more sustainable and inclusive mining economy, the deployment of mercury-free technologies, combined with structural reforms and community engagement, represents a pivotal step forward.