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ZDAMWU Takes RioZim to Court Over Deepening Financial Crisis

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The Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU), together with two affected employees, has filed a High Court application to place Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed miner RioZim Limited under corporate rescue, as the company faces mounting financial distress, Mining Zimbabwe reports.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Filed on April 28, 2025, in the High Court of Zimbabwe, the application names RioZim as the first respondent, with the Master of the High Court and the Registrar of Companies cited as second and third respondents, respectively. The move signals an aggressive intervention by workers and their representatives to salvage what they describe as a once-prominent mining house now sinking under the weight of debts, mismanagement, and operational paralysis.

According to court documents seen by Mining Zimbabwe, ZDAMWU, supported by applicants Precious Mwanza and Owen Kapeta, argues that RioZim is financially distressed, unable to pay its debts, and teetering on the brink of insolvency. The applicants say this situation, if left unchecked, would likely lead to the company’s collapse, with devastating consequences for employees, creditors, shareholders, and the communities that depend on its operations.

ZDAMWU’s Secretary-General, Justice Chinhema, in his founding affidavit, laid bare RioZim’s dire situation: the company’s liabilities as of mid-2024 exceeded assets by over ZW$149 million, and current liabilities dwarfed current assets by a staggering ZW$1 billion. RioZim has accumulated debts to suppliers, statutory bodies such as ZIMRA and ZETDC, and workers, including unpaid salaries amounting to millions of US dollars.

In a shocking revelation, RioZim also faces serious allegations of financial misconduct, with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) demanding the company’s asset register after suspicions of tax evasion and pension fund violations surfaced. Electricity has already been cut off at Renco Mine due to unpaid bills exceeding US$4.6 million, further hampering operations.

The application comes amid accusations that RioZim’s majority shareholder support collapsed following the tragic death of the controlling shareholder in a 2023 plane crash, an event that further destabilised an already fragile company.

According to audited financial statements annexed to the application, RioZim’s gold production in the first half of 2024 plunged by over 26%, from 417kg to just 306kg, despite a boom in global gold prices. Most of RioZim’s key assets — Cam and Motor, Dalny, and One-Step (Cricket) mines — have been placed under care and maintenance, while Renco Mine, the last operational gold asset, battles crippling challenges.

The rescue plan proposed by ZDAMWU seeks to appoint two experienced corporate rescue practitioners — senior lawyer Wilson Tatenda Manase and seasoned corporate turnaround specialist Knowledge Hofisi — to oversee a radical restructuring and revival of RioZim. Their tasks would include conducting forensic audits, attracting new capital estimated at US$200 million, reconfiguring operations, settling debts, restoring production, and creating a sustainable business model.

ZDAMWU insists that corporate rescue is the only viable alternative to liquidation, which would spell disaster for hundreds of workers and the mining communities tied to RioZim’s legacy.

Key players involved:

  • Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU): Leading the corporate rescue application.
  • Justice Chinhema: Secretary-General of ZDAMWU and chief applicant.
  • Precious Mwanza and Owen Kapeta: Current and former employees of RioZim supporting the application.
  • RioZim Limited: Embattled mining giant facing financial collapse.
  • Master of the High Court and Registrar of Companies: Cited as respondents for compliance and procedural oversight.
  • Wilson Tatenda Manase and Knowledge Hofisi: Nominated corporate rescue practitioners.

If granted, the court application could mark a pivotal turning point not just for RioZim but also for Zimbabwe’s mining sector, demonstrating the power of worker-led initiatives to save national assets and safeguard livelihoods.

The High Court is expected to hear the matter in due course. Should RioZim fail to oppose the application within 10 days of service, the corporate rescue proceedings will be initiated by default.

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe, 29 April 2025

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe today, 29 April 2025, from the official gold buyer and exporter Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR).

SG 90% and ABOVE US$100.14/g.
SG ABOVE 89% BUT BELOW 90% US$99.08/g.
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$98.02/g.
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$96.97/g.
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$95.38/g.

Fire Assay CASH $100.67/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.

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe, 28 April 2025

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe today, 28 April 2025, from the official gold buyer and exporter Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR).

SG 90% and ABOVE US$99.57/g.
SG ABOVE 89% BUT BELOW 90% US$98.51/g.
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$97.46/g.
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$96.41/g.
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$94.83/g.

Fire Assay CASH $100.09/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.

Unki’s Production Drops 15% Amid Lower Grades and Maintenance Shutdown

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Unki Mine, Zimbabwe’s third-largest platinum group metals (PGM) producer, recorded a 15% drop in production in the first quarter of 2025, delivering 53,600 ounces, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The decrease, according to Anglo American Platinum’s Q1 2025 production report, was largely expected and stemmed from multiple operational challenges, including lower-grade ore in the current mining area, reduced metal recoveries, and the impact of a five-day planned plant maintenance shutdown. The shutdown, aimed at preventive upkeep, reduced volumes milled during the quarter. Unlike the previous year, where similar maintenance was scheduled in the second quarter, this year’s early intervention impacted Q1 figures directly.

This latest dip in production follows a trend observed in the latter half of 2024. Unki had already shown signs of strain in Q4 2024, with a 2% decline in production to 60,300 ounces due to a three-day national power outage that disrupted operations. Prior to that, in Q2 2024, Unki saw a 7% drop in PGM output to 54,700 ounces, driven by mining through a lower-grade zone. Platinum output during that quarter also declined by 9% to 25,700 ounces compared to Q2 2023.

Despite these setbacks, Anglo American Platinum, Unki’s parent company, has maintained its long-term confidence in the mine’s strategic role within its global operations. In his previous remarks, Amplats CEO Craig Miller reaffirmed the company’s dedication to operational excellence and workforce safety, stating, “We are resolute in our commitment to eliminate fatalities from our workplace and ensure zero harm becomes a daily reality.”

Amplats as a whole reported a 6% drop in total PGM production in Q4 2024, amounting to 875,700 ounces. However, own-mined production increased by 1% across other stable operations, signalling resilience despite broader challenges. Unki, in particular, demonstrated recovery momentum post-Q2, contributing to a more stable Q4.

Furthermore, Unki has been instrumental in Amplats’ growing nickel output, contributing to a 20% rise in total nickel production to 7,300 tonnes in Q2 2024. This highlights the mine’s diverse metallurgical contributions even amid fluctuating PGM prices. The 37% collapse in rhodium prices during Q2 2024 has placed additional financial pressure on the PGM sector, but Unki’s consistent operational delivery underscores its critical importance in weathering market turbulence.

As Amplats moves through 2025, all eyes will be on how Unki responds in the second quarter and beyond. With proactive maintenance measures completed and ore body transitions underway, the mine remains central to the group’s ambitions of production stability and long-term sustainability in Zimbabwe’s PGM landscape.

NEC Sets New Mining Industry Wage Rates for 2025

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The National Employment Council (NEC) for the Mining Industry has released a new wage rates that will see minimum pay rates across all mining grades adjusted upward for the year 2025. The announcement follows successful negotiations between employee unions and the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe (CoMZ).

In a circular dated 17 April 2025 addressed to all mine managers, the NEC stated:

“The following new minimum rates of pay for grades 1-13 were agreed upon and pegged in US Dollars by Employees’ Party… and Employers’ Party… and will subsequently be sent to the Ministry of Labour and Social Services for registration and publication.”

New Wage Structure

Effective from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025, minimum wages will be implemented in two stages:

  • From 1 January, with a 4% increase
  • From 1 July, with a further 5% increase

The document reads:

“The basic minimum earnings payable to employees for the period 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025 shall be as per the attached schedules.”

For example, Grade 1 workers will earn US$124.05 per month initially, rising to US$266.14 per month by July 2025.

Foreign currency-generating companies are expected to pay employees using a dual currency system, partly in US dollars and partly in Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) at the prevailing Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) interbank rate.
Non-foreign currency-generating companies may be granted exemptions and allowed to pay entirely in ZiG equivalents.

The NEC circular states:

“Those employers who are able to pay more than the NEC minimums are encouraged to do so.”

Service-Based Salary Increments

The new agreement also provides additional wage increments based on employee length of service. According to the circular:

“Employees whose total length of service with the same employer exceeds two years or more will receive additional service increments, culminating in a 12% increase for those with 25 years of service.”

These service increments will be cumulative and will apply to basic earnings.

Compliance and Deadlines

Employers are urged to ensure that all statutory deductions, including contributions to the Mining Industry Pension Fund (MIPF) and NEC dues, are implemented and backdated to 1 January 2025.
Payments and returns must reach NEC offices by the 15th of the month following the month of deduction, as stipulated in the document.

“Remittances to the NEC and Trade Unions shall be paid using a dual currency system which resonates with the actual wages earned by the employees,” the council emphasized.


Get the full document of the RATES OF PAY FOR THE PERIOD 1 JANUARY 2025 TO 31 DECEMBER 2025

Vast Resources Finally Reclaims Historic Diamond Parcel After 15 Years, Eyes Zimbabwe Expansion

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London Stock Exchange-listed diamond mining company Vast Resources Plc has officially regained control of its historic diamond parcel in Zimbabwe after a prolonged 15-year dispute. The long-awaited inspection of the sealed security boxes confirmed that the parcels had remained untouched since 2010, paving the way for the company’s renewed ambitions in Zimbabwe’s mining sector.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

An initial inspection of the historic parcel revealed that the seals had not been tampered with since they were first secured. A preliminary review involving around 1% of the smaller stones confirmed the parcel’s integrity, and Vast Resources shared video evidence of the first inspection publicly.

The breakthrough follows years of legal and political wrangling. The Zimbabwean authorities, through the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), finally released the diamonds to Vast Resources after the company and the government made peace. Vast had long asserted its ownership of the diamonds, which stemmed from operations at the Marange diamond fields, one of the world’s richest diamond deposits.

A Pivotal Moment for Zimbabwe’s Mining Relations

The release of the parcel represents a major diplomatic and business achievement, not just for Vast Resources but for Zimbabwe’s broader efforts to rebuild investor confidence.

The resolution of the long-running dispute signals a thaw in relations between the country and foreign investors, particularly those who suffered from past mining policy uncertainties.

In a statement, Vast Resources hailed the moment as a “transformational event” that now allows the company to proceed with plans to auction the historic parcel. The diamonds are expected to fetch substantial sums, helping Vast stabilise its financial position and reposition itself within Zimbabwe’s mining sector.

Auction Plans Underway

Vast Resources plans to auction the historic diamond parcel soon, with the auction set to unlock considerable value. While specific timelines and financial projections are yet to be disclosed, the company is optimistic that the sale proceeds will not only strengthen its balance sheet but also provide funding for fresh investments in Zimbabwe.

The parcel, believed to contain a significant volume of high-quality rough diamonds, could act as a catalyst for Vast Resources to reestablish a footprint in Zimbabwe’s evolving diamond sector. The government’s recent policy shifts, including greater respect for investor rights and improved mining governance, have created a more welcoming environment for serious players.

Vast’s CEO has hinted that the resolution of the historic dispute is just the beginning of the company’s new chapter in Zimbabwe. With plans to deepen exploration and production activities, Vast is positioning itself to play a more active role in Zimbabwe’s ambitions to become a leading diamond producer once again.

The company’s successful reclamation of its historic parcel could also serve as a blueprint for other investors who had previously been cautious about returning to Zimbabwe. If properly managed, the auction and subsequent reinvestment could become a strong endorsement of Zimbabwe’s “open for business” mantra.

Vast formerly owned the Pickstone Peerless mine.

Junior Chamber Gears Up for Inaugural Technical Visit to Waterwitch Gold Mine

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Zimbabwe’s medium-scale miners, under the banner of the Junior Chamber of Miners Zimbabwe (JCMZ), are set to mark a significant milestone in their journey with their inaugural technical visit to Waterwitch Gold Mine in Inyathi on Friday next week.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The historic visit, held under the theme “Promoting Professional and Sustainable Mining with Zero Harm and Removing Funding Barriers,” is designed to expose medium-scale miners to practical, real-world mining operations while fostering collaboration with stakeholders from across the value chain.

According to JCMZ Secretary General Mr. Dosman Mangisi, the visit is expected to draw around 50 participants, including miners, academics, suppliers, financiers, and representatives from the Zimbabwe School of Mines. It forms part of the Chamber’s broader vision to develop a professional and modernised medium-scale mining sector that is both productive and environmentally responsible.

“This visit is about building bridges—between miners and financiers, manufacturers and government institutions—while promoting safe and sustainable mining,” Mangisi said. “Our aim is to empower the next generation of miners with technical skills, financial literacy, and compliance awareness that can elevate their operations to globally competitive standards.”

During the visit, attendees will be taken through a mining tour of Waterwitch Gold Mine, one of the few organised gold operations in Bubi that has embraced mechanised mining systems. Technical presentations will then follow, focusing on:

  • Drilling and blasting techniques

  • Mineral processing technologies

  • Mine planning and management

  • Safety, health, and environmental practices

Presentations will be led by experts from various sectors, including equipment manufacturers, the Zimbabwe School of Mines, suppliers, and finance institutions. Notably, the CEO of ZB Bank is expected to grace the occasion as the Guest of Honour, underscoring the financial sector’s growing interest in partnering with medium-scale miners.

The launch of JCMZ and its technical visits initiative follows recent developments in Zimbabwe’s mining ecosystem that have seen increased recognition of the role played by junior and medium-scale miners. According to a recent report, the Junior Chamber was formed to offer medium-scale miners a voice and structured platform to influence policy, build skills, and tap into opportunities previously out of their reach.

Simultaneously, the establishment of the Medium Scale Miners Association shows the industry’s shift towards formalisation and professionalism across all scales of operations. These initiatives are part of a new frontier in Zimbabwe’s mining development roadmap—one that includes everyone from the shovel-wielding prospector to the capital-intensive processor.

Promoting Compliance and Zero Harm

One of the key messages being driven by JCMZ is the need for medium-scale miners to adopt a culture of compliance, health and safety, and environmental stewardship. Through workshops, site visits, and knowledge sharing, the Chamber seeks to instill world-class operational standards into the heart of Zimbabwe’s emerging mining segment.

Attendees of the Waterwitch visit are encouraged to bring their own PPE—including helmets, work suits, and safety boots—as a show of respect for industry standards and site-specific safety protocols. This aligns with JCMZ’s objective of enhancing professional conduct and raising awareness of the importance of safe mining.

With its first technical visit underway, the Junior Chamber of Miners Zimbabwe is positioning itself as a pivotal player in the transformation of Zimbabwe’s junior mining sector. Through experience-sharing, capacity-building, and strategic alliances, the Chamber is creating a solid platform for future mining leaders to emerge.

Friday’s event at Waterwitch is not just a tour—it is a statement that junior miners are serious about moving from subsistence to substance. And with the right knowledge, partnerships, and policy support, the next big mining story in Zimbabwe could very well come from the corridors of JCMZ.

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe, 26 April 2025

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe today, 26 April 2025, from the official gold buyer and exporter Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR).

SG 90% and ABOVE US$99.57/g.
SG ABOVE 89% BUT BELOW 90% US$98.51/g.
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$97.46/g.
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$96.41/g.
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$94.83/g.

Fire Assay CASH $100.09/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.

Unki Mine’s Output Drops 15% in Q1 2025

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Unki Mine, Anglo American Platinum’s key Zimbabwean operation, recorded a 15% drop in platinum group metal (PGM) output in the first quarter of 2025, producing 53,600 ounces. The decline was mainly driven by expected lower ore grades, a slight dip in recovery rates, and the impact of a five-day planned maintenance shutdown at the processing plant.

By Ryan Chigoche

Located in Shurugwi, Unki Mine holds an estimated 34 million ounces in reserves and typically produces about 64,000 ounces of platinum annually. Despite the first-quarter setback, Unki remains a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s formal mining sector and a strategic asset within the Anglo American Platinum portfolio.

Unki’s performance reflects broader operational challenges faced by Anglo American Platinum in Q1 2025. Group-wide, own-managed PGM production declined by 8% to 462,000 ounces, largely due to severe flooding at the Tumela mine in South Africa following heavy rains in February. Excluding this weather-related impact, production would have remained consistent with the previous year.

The group’s other operations also reported mixed results. Modikwa Mine, a 50%-owned asset, saw an 11% decline in production to 29,400 ounces. This was attributed to lower recovery rates at the concentrator following the introduction of open-pit material during the quarter. This new feed is set to fully ramp up in Q2 2025 and will replace volumes from the high-cost South 1 shaft, which is scheduled for closure in the first half of the year.

However, not all updates were negative. Mogalakwena Mine, the group’s flagship open-pit operation, delivered a 3% increase in PGM production to 227,000 ounces. This improvement was driven by higher concentrator throughput and slightly improved ore grades. The 4E head grade of 2.48g/t was in line with expectations and supports the mine’s full-year target of a 2.7–2.9g/t blended grade.

Mototolo Mine also posted a positive performance, with production rising 7% to 66,200 ounces. This growth reflects the successful implementation of a new seven-day mining shift cycle introduced in the second quarter of 2024, aimed at increasing productivity and operational efficiency.

In addition to production figures, the group noted a 29% drop in purchased PGM concentrate volumes, mainly due to Kroondal’s transition to a tolling arrangement and reduced deliveries from third parties. Refined PGM production fell by 30% to 437,100 ounces, affected by regular first-quarter maintenance, a triennial stock count, and lower mined volumes.

Sales volumes were similarly down 30%, in line with refined output.

Nonetheless, Anglo American Platinum maintained its 2025 guidance, projecting total PGM production (metal-in-concentrate and refined) between 3.0 and 3.4 million ounces. Cost guidance also remains unchanged, with expected cash operating costs of R17,500–R18,500 per PGM ounce and all-in sustaining costs between US$970 and US$1,000 per 3E ounce.

On a positive note, safety performance improved across the group, with no fatalities reported and a 7% reduction in the total recordable injury frequency rate (TRIFR), which stood at 1.70 per million hours worked.

As Unki Mine and other operations stabilise after a tough quarter, the group is cautiously optimistic about improving performance in the months ahead, supported by cost discipline, operational reforms, and targeted ramp-ups, the group reported.

Premier Raises +2 Million to Fast-Track Zulu Lithium Commissioning

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Alternative Investment Market (AIM) listed mining and exploration junior Premier African Minerals Limited has announced a £1.575 million (approximately US$ 2,096,797.48 million today’s rate) interim funding to bolster the final commissioning and optimisation of its flagship Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project in Fort Rixon, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The subscription, issued at 0.035 pence per new ordinary share, comes at a critical time for Premier, following recent positive developments with its offtake partner, Canmax Technologies Co., Ltd. According to Premier, the funds raised will be primarily directed towards completing the secondary flotation plant at Zulu, commencing associated civil works, settling essential creditors, and providing working capital for ongoing operations.

Premier CEO George Roach said the move would help restore confidence in the company, following the amendment to the Offtake and Prepayment Agreement with Canmax and the receipt of a non-binding letter of interest from a reputable buyer for future development.

“The recently announced amendment to the Offtake and Prepayment Agreement with Canmax, the provision of a non-binding letter of interest, and the alleviation of concerns related to the long stop date all help restore confidence in Premier, and this should help support us through the next three months while we complete the spodumene flotation section at Zulu,” Roach said.

The subscription will see the issue of 4.5 billion new ordinary shares, arranged within Premier’s remaining share authorities. The new shares will be admitted to trading on AIM around May 1, 2025, and will rank pari passu with existing ordinary shares. Following the subscription, Premier’s issued share capital will stand at approximately 50.97 billion shares, with the company now having fully utilised its current share issuance authorities.

Background: Premier’s Strengthened Partnership with Canmax

Premier’s interim funding announcement follows a series of critical developments regarding its relationship with Canmax Technologies, one of its primary strategic partners. In late March, Premier secured an amendment to the original Offtake and Prepayment Agreement signed with Canmax, extending the Long Stop Date from April 1, 2025, to the earlier of December 31, 2025, or upon securing a new reputable buyer acceptable to Canmax.

Key terms of the amendment include:

  • Participation Rights: Canmax retains rights to partial repayment in Premier’s shares, ensuring a 13.38% fully diluted shareholding after any future funding rounds.

  • Financial Oversight: Canmax will oversee operational and creditor budget management at both Premier and Zulu until the prepayment and accrued interest are fully settled.

  • Safeguards Against Insolvency: Neither Premier nor Zulu Lithium may enter insolvency without swift contestation or resolution.

  • Asset Protection: Premier cannot pledge or encumber its assets without prior Canmax approval.

  • Binding Interest Requirement: Premier must secure a non-binding letter of interest from a reputable buyer within 30 days, extendable at Canmax’s discretion.

  • Director Commitments: Premier’s directors are personally obligated to adhere to the amended agreement’s conditions until full settlement.

The relationship between Premier and Canmax was initially formalised in 2022 when Canmax provided an advance purchase of US$34.64 million to fund construction of the Zulu processing plant. However, Premier failed to meet minimum delivery obligations in November and December 2023, leading Canmax to enforce a higher interest rate of 12% per annum on the outstanding prepayment balance.

Despite these challenges, Canmax’s continued commitment to Zulu underscores its strategic importance. Premier has expressed gratitude for Canmax’s understanding and has reaffirmed its focus on delivering spodumene concentrate as soon as the plant’s commissioning is completed.

A Race Against Time at Zulu

Premier’s focus over the next three months will be squarely on completing the spodumene flotation circuit at Zulu. The company remains under pressure to not only meet the commissioning targets but also to secure long-term financial stability and creditor confidence, necessary for the project’s transition into a full-scale lithium producer.

The success of Zulu is critical not only for Premier but also for Zimbabwe’s ambition to become a key player in the global lithium supply chain. Zimbabwe, boasting some of the largest hard-rock lithium deposits globally, has witnessed a surge in lithium investments, and Zulu remains among the most strategically important projects under development.

As the global energy transition drives unprecedented demand for lithium, Premier’s ability to execute on Zulu could position it at the forefront of Zimbabwe’s critical mineral revolution. With the latest funding secured and a strengthened partnership with Canmax, the coming months will prove decisive for Premier African Minerals.