Mining ZimbabweLatest Mining News, Policy and Industry Updates

All preparations are complete for the 2025 Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe’s (COMZ) Annual Mining Conference and Exhibition, scheduled to take place from May 21 to 24, 2025, at the Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls.

By Ryan Chigoche

This event is set to be one of the most important gatherings of mining stakeholders in the region this year, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to shape the future of Zimbabwe’s mining sector.

The 2025 conference will be held under the theme, “Unlocking Growth Potential for the Zimbabwe Mining Industry.” This theme reflects a collective commitment to creating an environment that supports sustainable growth and drives the economic transformation Zimbabwe aims to achieve.

Speaking to journalists at the Chamber’s headquarters, COMZ CEO Isaac Kwesu highlighted the broad range of topics to be discussed during the conference. He said:

“We have a number of thematic issues that will cover these aspects. We will also be discussing local content and empowerment in the mining industry, energy and other infrastructure matters that are key to the mining sector, and exploration in the mining industry, which I think will be a topical issue, especially when we talk about how to develop and grow our mining industry. The prospects of the coal and fossil fuel sector, including oil, will also be a main session. We will have speakers from the coal industry sharing how their projects have been growing, as well as updates on oil exploration in Musarabani.”

Kwesu also emphasised the long-standing tradition and impact of the conference:

“We have been hosting this conference since time immemorial. These are platforms where key stakeholders meet not just to discuss but also to resolve issues. Our experience has been that these conferences are very impactful. In the past, we have seen several issues undermining our sector being resolved, sometimes during briefings with the minister or the president, or through the outcomes shared at the conference.”

The conference will span four days, starting on May 21, which will feature closed-door sessions including the Constitutional Council meeting and the AGM. These meetings are important for renewing membership, electing leadership, and addressing key governance matters.

On May 22, two mineral-specific symposiums will be held. The morning will focus on gold, featuring keynote speakers such as Mr. Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council of South Africa; Mr. Joshua Mortoti, Executive Vice President and Head of West Africa for Gold Fields; and Mr. Sakliff, Managing Director of Comstack.

In the afternoon, the Platinum Group Metals (PGM) Indaba will be hosted. Kwesu explained that this Indaba will discuss pertinent issues in the PGM sector.

Presentations will be given by regional and international experts, including Mr. Kos from CFA Oxford, who will share global perspectives on the PGM industry, recent market developments, and the price outlook.

The main conference will take place on May 23, officially opened by the guest of honour, Winston Chitando, Minister of Mines and Mining Development.

Other notable speakers include John Mushayavanhu, Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe; David Mnangagwa, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Development; and Regina Chinamasa, Commissioner General of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority.

They will address vital topics such as the mining sector’s contribution to the economy, fiscal and tax policies affecting mining, local content and empowerment, infrastructure challenges, exploration opportunities, prospects in the coal and fossil fuel sectors, oil exploration in Musarabani, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues.

The final day, May 24, will offer a relaxed setting with networking opportunities, including a golf tournament and business matching sessions to help participants forge new partnerships and strengthen existing ones.

With a strong lineup of speakers and a comprehensive agenda, the 2025 COMZ AGM and Conference promises to be a landmark event, unlocking the growth potential of Zimbabwe’s mining industry and playing a key role in the country’s economic transformation.

The global electric vehicle (EV) market continued its upward trajectory in February 2025, posting strong year-over-year growth despite a slight slowdown in monthly sales, according to Adamas Intelligence’s latest report.

By Ryan Chigoche

This positive trend comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s lithium sector is set to grow significantly, with production expected to reach 3.26 million metric tons in 2025, up from 2.47 million metric tons in 2024.

This surge in Zimbabwe’s lithium production aligns with the growing global demand for battery materials, positioning the country as a key supplier for the expanding EV industry.

According to Adama’s Intelligence February battery raw materials deployment report ,a total of 1.79 million passenger EVs—including battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) were sold worldwide during the month, according to Adama Intelligence.

While this marked a 4% decline from January, it represented a robust 37% increase compared to February 2024, signaling continued consumer interest and market resilience.

Regional dynamics varied, with the Asia-Pacific region seeing the most pronounced growth. Although sales dipped 6% month-over-month, they surged 54% year-on-year. Europe followed with a 12% annual increase, while the Americas stood out as the only region to post a month-over-month gain, up 4% compared to January and 21% over the previous year.

Battery deployment trends mirrored the sales data. In total, 62,237 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery capacity were installed in new passenger EVs globally—a 2% drop from January but a notable 49% increase year-over-year. Chinese battery giant CATL led the pack with 17,900 MWh deployed, while automaker BYD topped the charts among vehicle manufacturers with 7,904 MWh.

Adama Intelligence attributes part of the battery capacity growth to changing vehicle preferences. BEV and PHEV sales are rising faster than those of HEVs, resulting in a 9% increase in the average battery size per vehicle compared to February 2024. This indicates a shift toward longer-range, fully electric models, particularly in markets with expanding charging infrastructure.

As EV production rises, demand for key battery materials is also intensifying.

In February, 35,957 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) were used in EV batteries—a 46% increase from the same month last year. Nickel use followed a similar pattern, with 23,143 tonnes deployed globally—up 25% year-on-year. Tesla led among automakers with 3,181 tonnes, while CATL topped the list of suppliers with 5,718 tonnes. However, the average nickel content per EV battery declined by 8%, hinting at a continued shift toward alternative chemistries.

Cobalt deployment rose to 3,970 tonnes an increase of 14% from the previous year despite a 6% month-over-month drop as manganese use in EV batteries totaled 4,896 tonnes, up 18% year-on-year. Volkswagen took the lead among automakers for the month, while CATL remained the top cell supplier. Meanwhile, graphite an essential component in nearly all EV batteries saw a 52% year-on-year increase, with 57,475 tonnes deployed globally. CATL and BYD again led in graphite deployment.

Following these global trends, Zimbabwe is emerging as a strategic supplier of battery minerals, particularly lithium, which is essential to the expanding EV industry. With some of the world’s most promising hard-rock lithium reserves, the country is increasingly viewed as a key link in the global supply chain.

According to the Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe, the local lithium sector is set for a strong performance in 2025, with production expected to rise to 3.26 million metric tons up from 2.47 million metric tons in 2024.

The growth will be largely driven by the ramp-up of operations from new producers that came online in 2024, alongside major investments aimed at expanding processing capacity across the country.

Among the key contributors to this surge is Bikita Minerals, which plans to invest US$100 million in smelting infrastructure in 2025.

This initiative, part of a broader US$500 million project, is expected to increase smelting capacity by 95%, with completion targeted for December 2025.

In parallel, Sandawana Mine is advancing a US$28 million investment in a lithium concentrate processing plant, scheduled for commissioning by March 2026. The facility is projected to double the mine’s production capacity, reaching 500,000 tonnes of concentrate annually.

Beyond raw extraction, the Zimbabwean government is encouraging local value addition, including plans for domestic lithium hydroxide processing, which would elevate the country from an exporter of raw ore to a producer of refined battery inputs.

The government has also implemented measures to regulate and formalize the sector, aiming to ensure sustainable development while maximizing long-term economic benefits.

With the global shift toward clean transportation accelerating, Zimbabwe is well-positioned to supply the essential raw materials powering the transition. As EV production scales up worldwide, so too will the importance of resource-rich nations like Zimbabwe in ensuring the resilience of global supply chains.

In a significant move toward sustainable mining development in Zimbabwe, Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO) has expressed interest in partnering with the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) to champion responsible and environmentally conscious mining practices among artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) operating in Manhize, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The announcement was made by Pela Mtunzi, Head of the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Department at DISCO, during a recent stakeholder engagement in Chivhu. Mtunzi highlighted the company’s extensive efforts in promoting sustainability, social development, and environmental stewardship—initiatives which DISCO now hopes to extend to the surrounding ASM community through strategic partnerships.

“We have a lot of small-scale miners around the plant, and it will be very exciting to work with ZMF, especially in terms of sustainable mining and keeping the environment safe,” Mtunzi said. “It’s our environment—we would like it to be there for a long time.”

DISCO, a subsidiary of Tsingshan Holdings Group and one of the largest Chinese investors in Zimbabwe, has been setting benchmarks in ESG compliance. The company’s iron and steel plant in Manhize, Midlands Province, is already contributing to the national economy through employment, infrastructure development, and environmental care.

Mtunzi outlined the company’s shift from mere donations to building resilient communities. “We don’t donate—we build with communities to ensure that the development is sustainable,” she stated.

Projects spearheaded by DISCO include modern housing for relocated families, electrification of homes, support for local farmers, borehole drilling, and solarisation of schools. The company has also made strides in disaster relief and education, providing sports equipment and helping restore schools affected by floods.

Additionally, DISCO’s employment policy reflects its commitment to local empowerment. Residents of Chikomba and Churumanzu are given first preference in job opportunities, with most of the unskilled labour force drawn from surrounding villages. Skills transfer programs pairing Chinese and Zimbabwean engineers are also in place, creating a technically proficient local workforce.

Mtunzi also emphasized DISCO’s commitment to sport and youth engagement through the Dinson Mvuma Football Club. The Division One club is co-owned by the company and local community and has become a source of pride and opportunity for young people.

“We believe this is going to be a game-changer for local football,” said Mtunzi, encouraging partnerships to support the club. She noted that corporate backing like that from DISCO can revive the local football ecosystem, which has struggled with sponsorship in recent years.

ZMF, the mother body of ASM in Zimbabwe, has long championed the formalisation and sustainable development of the sector. A collaboration between DISCO’s ESG Department and ZMF could unlock new pathways for ASM compliance with environmental regulations, safety standards, and community engagement practices.

The potential partnership comes at a time when ASM is under increased scrutiny for environmental degradation and unsafe working conditions. With support from a major player like DISCO, there is hope that ASM in Manhize and surrounding areas can become models of sustainable resource extraction.

DISCO’s ESG leadership is setting the stage for a broader transformation in Zimbabwe’s mining landscape—one that respects the environment, uplifts communities, and integrates the informal sector into the country’s sustainable development goals. The company’s willingness to work with ZMF marks a crucial step toward inclusive and responsible mining that could serve as a blueprint for others to follow.

By Ryan Chigoche

Premier African Minerals Limited has announced the commencement of civil works for an additional flotation plant at its Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project, following the completion of interim funding secured on April 25, 2025.

The company has also confirmed orders for inserts to upgrade its existing cleaner cells, marking a significant step toward resuming full operations at its flagship Zimbabwean lithium site.

Work at the Zulu site, located approximately 80 kilometers northeast of Bulawayo, is set to begin in the coming week. Premier expects delivery and commissioning of the flotation cell inserts by June 2025, with final installation of the new spodumene circuit projected for the third quarter of the year.

George Roach, CEO of Premier African Minerals, expressed optimism about the project’s progress, stating:

“It is indeed most pleasing to commence civils and confirm the float plant order to be able to get Zulu back to work.”

The Zulu Lithium Project is considered one of Zimbabwe’s most promising hard-rock lithium resources, with the potential to produce nearly 50,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate annually.

However, the project has not been without challenges. In 2023, Premier completed construction of a lithium processing plant at Zulu as part of a US$35 million offtake deal with China’s Canmax Technologies. Despite initial success, technical issues with the concentrator plant led to production delays, putting strain on the offtake agreement.

To resolve its financial obligations—including the outstanding US$35 million owed to Canmax—Premier is now in talks with Glencore Plc. The company recently signed a non-binding letter of interest with the global commodities trader, aiming to reach a binding agreement for lithium concentrate supply within three months.

In addition to restructuring its offtake commitments, Premier has raised new capital to stabilize operations. The company secured £4.7 million in a share placement and launched a further offering to raise £2.3 million. These funds are being channeled directly into the ongoing upgrades at Zulu.

As civil works begin and the installation of the new flotation infrastructure moves forward, Premier is banking on these improvements to restore investor confidence and meet growing demand in the global lithium market.

By Ryan Chigoche

The Government of Zimbabwe has hailed artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) as the country’s new heroes, recognizing their critical role in strengthening the local economy. These miners are expected to help Zimbabwe reach 50 tonnes of gold per year in the near future—a major milestone for the sector and a significant boost for an economy highly dependent on mining.

Christopher Mutsvangwa shared this optimistic outlook, emphasizing how the ASM sector’s contributions are helping to support the Zimbabwe dollar, which is increasingly backed by gold. This has provided much-needed financial stability for the country.

Thanks to the surge in gold production, the Zimbabwe dollar has maintained a more stable exchange rate against the US dollar. While some experts have raised concerns that this stability could be artificial due to tight liquidity, the strong performance of the gold sector—underpinned by gold reserves—has been the main factor keeping the currency steady.

As the country battles to preserve its local currency, Mutsvangwa said at a recent press conference that Zimbabwe’s artisanal and small-scale miners have emerged as a crucial factor in the nation’s financial stability, calling them “the new heroes of the economy.”

“In terms of currency, the strengthening we’ve seen is significant, and a key factor in this is how our artisanal and small-scale miners have stepped up in the gold sector, making substantial contributions to the economy. We’re now seeing consistent deliveries of around 4 tonnes per month, and at this rate, Zimbabwe is on track to reach 50 tonnes of gold per year. These miners are the new heroes of Zimbabwe.”

“Gold remains the backbone of our economy, and in the current global geopolitical climate, it has become a reliable safe-haven asset. I’m sure the RBZ Governor is pleased—not only are gold volumes rising, but he’s also managed to double the value of the country’s reserves. Zimbabwe is riding the wave of surging gold prices, which have more than doubled per ounce. So while our gold output is increasing in quantity, it’s also soaring in value—thanks largely to the efforts of the ASM sector,” Mutsvangwa added.

Mutsvangwa’s statement comes as the latest figures from Fidelity Gold Refinery highlight the sector’s growth. Small-scale miners produced 8,696.97 kg of gold in April 2025, a remarkable 111.1% increase from the 4,120.01 kg produced during the same period last year.

Looking at month-to-month growth, April 2025 saw a 38.3% increase in total production, rising by 1,069.77 kg from March’s 7,627.20 kg. Small-scale miners continued to lead, delivering 2,926.11 kg in April, up from 1,864.99 kg in March—a 56.9% rise. When comparing April 2025 to the same month last year, small-scale miners saw a dramatic 140.3% increase, up from 1,218.20 kg.

April 2025 also saw unprecedented volatility in gold prices. After hitting an all-time high of US$3,500 per ounce, prices fell sharply due to factors such as proposed tariffs and geopolitical tensions.

Despite this volatility, the price of gold has surged by 57% since 2020, creating higher profit margins for mining companies. Recently, however, prices have faced some pressure, correcting from recent highs of US$3,435 per ounce amid renewed optimism over US-China trade talks and profit-taking ahead of US Federal Reserve policy announcements.

This surge in both production and prices comes at a critical time for Zimbabwe, which has faced significant economic challenges related to the local currency.

Experts agree that the ASM sector will remain a key player in Zimbabwe’s financial stability.

As Zimbabwe continues to ride the wave of rising gold prices, the growing contributions of ASM miners will be essential to securing the country’s economic future.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Multi-listed, gold-focused miner Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc (NYSE American, AIM, and VFEX: CMCL) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday in St Helier, Jersey, where key decisions were made, including the reappointment of directors and the retention of BDO South Africa Inc. as the company’s auditor, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

According to Caledonia, the AGM saw participation from 92 shareholders, representing 58.27% of the company’s outstanding voting shares, either in person or by proxy. Several resolutions were approved during the meeting, including the re-election of directors and the reappointment of the auditor.

The following directors were reappointed with strong shareholder support:

• Mark Learmonth – 99.52% in favour

• John Kelly – 97.37% in favour

• Nick Clarke – 99.18% in favour

• Genilda Wildschutt – 92.11% in favour

• Gordon Wylie – 92.04% in favour

• Victor Gapare – 97.52% in favour

• Tiriro Gadzikwa – 99.10% in favour

• Stefan Buys – 99.56% in favour

• Lesley Goldwasser – 99.65% in favour

While most directors received near-unanimous support, Wildschutt and Wylie faced slightly higher opposition, with 7.89% and 7.96% of votes cast against their reappointment, respectively.

Shareholders also approved the reappointment of BDO South Africa Inc. as the company’s auditor for the upcoming year. The board was further authorised to determine the auditor’s remuneration.

Additionally, the following individuals were reappointed to the Audit Committee:

• Gordon Wylie

• Genilda Wildschutt

• Tiriro Gadzikwa

• Lesley Goldwasser