Speaking at the Geological Society of Zimbabwe (GSZ) Annual General Meeting last Friday, Geological Survey Chairman Forbes Mugumbate emphasized that while Zimbabwe is heavily focused on production, exploration should not be overlooked, as it forms the backbone of future mineral discoveries and economic growth.
“Most of these large, world-class deposits have been found through very intensive research on an EPO system being funded by global risk capital raised from various centres in the world,” Mugumbate said.
He stressed that exploration plays a vital role in securing foreign direct investment (FDI) and generates critical geological data that helps sustain the mining industry.
Mugumbate highlighted that Zimbabwe’s mining industry largely concentrates on production rather than the essential process of discovering new deposits. He noted that while production numbers are widely reported, the country rarely talks about how much is invested in exploration, which is key to the sector’s long-term sustainability.
“When you open a newspaper, what’s being talked about is production, production, production,” Mugumbate said. “Yet, we ignore the fact that mining is a depleting activity. Once a mine is operational, it is moving towards its depletion.”
He also pointed out that exploration itself can be a major industry, bringing in millions of dollars in investment, creating jobs for geologists, and providing valuable information about the country’s mineral potential.
“Exploration brings in foreign capital, generates information, and employs our geologists. Yet, exploration is rarely taken as part of the industry,” Mugumbate emphasized.
Mugumbate stressed the need for Zimbabwe to resume issuing Exclusive Prospecting Orders (EPOs), which allow companies to explore large areas for minerals. He argued that EPOs are the foundation of serious exploration, enabling companies to raise capital and conduct research necessary to discover new mineral deposits.
“Every EPO that is granted provides an opportunity for Zimbabwe to gain, say, a million dollars in exploration funds. In addition, there’s also a chance of finding a valuable deposit,” Mugumbate noted.
However, the current standstill in granting EPOs has become a significant obstacle for the mining sector, limiting the influx of foreign investment and reducing the likelihood of new discoveries. Mugumbate and other industry leaders called for immediate action to resolve this issue and push forward with large-scale exploration efforts.
Mugumbate’s remarks at the GSZ AGM reflected a broader need for Zimbabwe to shift its mindset and begin treating exploration as a crucial part of the mining value chain. Without a renewed focus on discovering new deposits, the country’s mining sector risks stagnating, leaving potential mineral wealth untapped.
“Our campaign is to educate people so they can start believing in large-scale exploration again,” Mugumbate said.
He urged both the government and industry stakeholders to understand the long-term benefits of prioritizing exploration, ensuring the future of Zimbabwe’s mining industry is secured.
As Zimbabwe continues to deplete its existing mineral resources, Mugumbate’s call for greater emphasis on exploration serves as a reminder that the country’s mining future relies on looking beneath the surface to uncover its full potential.
SG 90% and ABOVE US$88.41g
SG ABOVE 89% BUT BELOW 90% US$87.48g
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$86.54/g
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$85.61/g
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$84.20/g
Fire Assay CASH $88.88/g
NB: Fire Assay cash price is for gold above 100gs, no sample is deducted.
For the Fire Assay Transfer price, a sample of not more than 10g is deducted
A 2% royalty is charged on all deposits (Small-scale miners)
A 5% royalty is set for Primary Producers
Ariana Resources has reported a 9% increase in the In-Pit Mineral Resource Estimate for its Dokwe Gold Project in Zimbabwe, bringing the total to 1.42 million ounces of gold. This update, supported by a refined geological model, further solidifies Dokwe’s position as one of Zimbabwe’s largest undeveloped gold assets.
By Ryan Chigoche
The company is now preparing for additional drilling in 2025 to refine the resource and advance the project’s development.
With a refined geological model and an enhanced resource base, the company is optimistic about Dokwe’s future as one of Zimbabwe’s largest undeveloped gold assets. This milestone comes as Ariana progresses through the feasibility stage, positioning the project for future development and long-term growth.
The updated In-Pit Measured and Indicated MRE now stands at 19.7 million tonnes at 1.54g/t gold, totaling 977,000 ounces of gold, based on a reporting cut-off of 0.6g/t Au. When considering the total resource across Measured, Indicated, and Inferred categories, the Dokwe Project holds 44.9 million tonnes at 0.98g/t Au, which equates to 1.42 million ounces of gold at a 0.3g/t Au cut-off.
Dokwe Project location in Zimbabwe
This 9% increase over the July 2024 pit optimization adds significant flexibility to the project, providing Ariana with valuable options for the scheduling and staging of operations in the future.
This enhanced resource estimate sets a strong foundation for advancing the project towards its next phase of development. With the potential to build a 2Mtpa processing plant and achieve a production rate of up to 100,000 ounces of gold annually over a 10-year mine life, Ariana is moving forward with a strategic, phased approach to development.
Dr. Kerim Sener, Managing Director of Ariana Resources, emphasized the long-term vision for Dokwe, noting its position as an advanced, high-value asset at the feasibility stage.
“This is an absolutely superb result for the company and our shareholders. Dokwe is now an advanced, high-value asset at the feasibility stage, demonstrating the potential to develop into a 2Mtpa operation with a production rate of up to 100,000 ounces of gold per year over a 10-year mine life,” Dr. Sener commented.
He further explained the company’s strategy:
“As we move forward with the Feasibility Study, we’re focused on staging our development to minimize upfront capital expenditure, maximize early revenue, and maintain significant long-term optionality across the production schedule.”
“The revised optimized in-pit resource is supported by improved confidence in the underlying geological model. This outcome resulted from the work undertaken by our technical team, which dedicated several months to an extensive reappraisal of the geology and other technical details of the Dokwe deposit. I take this opportunity to thank them for their extremely valuable contributions.”
“We are looking forward to fine-tuning other elements of our Feasibility Study through 2025, including a new drilling program that we plan to commence in June. This program will involve additional drilling for metallurgical and geotechnical purposes, as well as resource confirmatory and step-out drilling.”
“Based on our current understanding of the broader exploration opportunity in the region, we fully expect Dokwe can be developed into a major mining hub in the longer term and as one of the most significant developments of its kind in Zimbabwe,” Sener said.
This updated resource estimate follows an extensive reappraisal of the geological model, which has greatly improved the estimation of the higher-grade zones within the deposit. In particular, the Dokwe North deposit, which forms a crucial part of the project, is hosted within Archaean volcanic rocks that have been folded, metamorphosed to greenschist facies, and sheared over time.
The deposit is particularly rich in gold where sub-vertical shear zones intersect with lithological contacts that dip southeast at a moderate angle. The principal host rocks for gold mineralization include dacite, tuff, and porphyry, and these zones are often characterized by coarse visible gold.
The refinement of this geological model has significantly increased confidence in the resource and solidified Ariana’s plans for future exploration.
Dr. Sener expressed his gratitude for the hard work put in by the technical team:
“I want to thank our technical team for their incredibly valuable contributions during this process. Their efforts have been instrumental in improving the geological model and enhancing the resource estimate.”
Located 110 km west of Bulawayo in the Tsholotsho District, the Dokwe Gold Project lies within the western extension of the Bulawayo-Bubi Greenstone Belt. The project encompasses both the Dokwe North and Dokwe Central deposits, which are set within a highly prospective geological region. With its robust resource base and high-quality geological environment, Dokwe is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s gold mining future.
Looking ahead, Ariana Resources is preparing to launch a new drilling program in June 2025, which will focus on key areas such as metallurgical and geotechnical studies, as well as resource confirmatory and step-out drilling. This new phase of drilling will provide further insights into the deposit and refine the resource as the company moves towards full-scale development.
Ariana Resources is an AIM-listed mineral exploration and development company with a strong track record of generating value for its shareholders. Its diverse portfolio spans multiple regions, including a major gold development project in Zimbabwe, gold production in Türkiye, and copper-gold exploration projects in Cyprus and Kosovo.
Ariana owns 100% of the Dokwe Gold Project, which includes both the Dokwe North and Dokwe Central deposits in the Tsholotsho District near Bulawayo. As of March 2025, the project boasts a combined in-pit JORC Measured, Indicated, and Inferred Resource of over 1.42 million ounces of gold, making it the largest undeveloped gold project in Zimbabwe and a key asset in the country’s rapidly growing mining sector.
Five men have been sentenced to two years in prison each after being convicted of illegal gold prospecting in Zvishavane, as authorities continue cracking down on unlawful mining activities across the country, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The Zvishavane Magistrates’ Court found the group—Godknows Siwalimu (24), Naphitali Mumpande (23), Mzingayi Moyo (23), Advantage Ngombe (26), and Mpendulo Moyo (20)—guilty of illegally prospecting for gold in a bushy area near Maglas Township, Zvishavane, without the necessary licenses or permits.
Their illicit activities were discovered on March 3, 2025, when detectives from the CID Minerals, Flora, and Fauna Unit arrested them. The men were caught using tools, including a shovel, pick, and rubber bucket, to extract gold ore from a 1.5-meter-deep shaft they had dug.
The five individuals were promptly taken to court, where they were convicted and handed mandatory two-year prison sentences for their unlawful actions.
Zimbabwe has been battling rising cases of illegal gold mining, which has caused environmental degradation, loss of government revenue, and threats to law and order. Authorities have responded by strengthening law enforcement measures against illegal miners, especially in key gold-producing regions like Zvishavane.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe continues to issue warnings to those engaged in illegal mining, reinforcing the message that “Crime Does Not Pay.”
As Zimbabwe seeks to regulate its mining industry more effectively, the conviction and sentencing of these individuals serve as a reminder that illegal prospecting will not be tolerated and that severe penalties await those who flout the law.
Premier Africa Minerals Limited is exploring corporate rescue and asset liquidation options for its Zulu lithium project amid significant financial challenges.
By Ryan Chigoche
Corporate rescue, also known as business restructuring, is a legal framework in Zimbabwe designed to help distressed companies restore solvency and resume operations.
The process aims to balance the interests of creditors, shareholders, employees, and other stakeholders while safeguarding the company’s economic value.
In this regard, Premier is in ongoing discussions with all stakeholders, particularly Zulu’s prepayment and offtake partner, to find a viable solution.
With liabilities surpassing assets by $47.8 million, the company has shifted its strategy to address the financial strain and ensure the project’s survival.
The Zulu plant has been inactive since July 2024, and as of February 28, 2025, Premier’s total unaudited liabilities had reached $64.3 million.
This includes $46.4 million owed to Canmax Technologies Co. Ltd under the Offtake and Prepayment Agreement, along with unsettled interest of $11.7 million.
Additionally, around $17 million is owed to trade creditors, including unpaid salaries. In light of these financial pressures, Premier urgently requires funding to maintain critical operations at both the Premier and Zulu sites.
The company has continued to receive support from its principal trade creditors, who are awaiting confirmation that the necessary remedial work on the flotation plant will be completed and that Zulu’s operations will be promptly recommissioned.
Last year, Premier considered selling the Zulu plant or bringing in an investment partner via a partial sale or joint venture. However, a recent corporate update indicated a shift in focus, with the company now actively pursuing funding solutions for the Zulu project. This includes the possibility of initiating a corporate rescue process.
“While this remains our preferred solution, Premier is also engaged with other new potential investors. In the absence of a financing solution, Premier may need to consider alternative options for Zulu in the interests of its creditors and shareholders, which may include raising financing at the subsidiary level, a sale of Zulu while keeping it in a state of care and maintenance, the liquidation of the assets of Zulu, or other options available under Zimbabwean laws, including a corporate rescue of Zulu,” the company said in a statement.
This shift in strategy comes after a previous announcement on January 21, 2025, in which Premier revealed that a proposed £3.5 million fundraising initiative had not been successfully closed.
The funds were intended to support the final commissioning and optimization of the Primary Spodumene Flotation Plant and the purchase of a Secondary Spodumene Flotation Plant—key steps necessary for the full recommencement of operations at Zulu.
Premier remains focused on addressing the immediate financial needs to restart operations.
The company views these steps as vital not only for Zulu’s recommencement but also for resolving trade creditor claims, which are critical to facilitating a short-term test run of 3 to 5 days.
The company, a UK-based mining and exploration firm, has faced difficulties in commissioning the lithium flotation circuit at its Zulu plant, resulting in missed delivery deadlines.
At one point, Premier issued a force majeure notice to China’s Canmax Technologies, citing operational hurdles at the Fort Rixon facility. The plant struggled to produce sufficient spodumene to meet the required quantities stipulated in the off-take agreement with Canmax, prompting the latter to consider terminating the agreement—a move that could have severely impacted the Zulu Lithium project.
However, after extensive discussions, the companies managed to restore their partnership, offering hope for the project’s future despite the ongoing challenges.
As Premier Africa Minerals navigates through its financial difficulties, the company is focusing on finding viable solutions to secure the future of its Zulu lithium project.
While the road ahead remains challenging, ongoing discussions with stakeholders and potential investors could provide the necessary support to restart operations.
The Zulu plant has the potential to be a valuable asset, especially with the rising global demand for lithium.
The global platinum market is set to experience a structural deficit for the third consecutive year, with a projected shortfall of 848,000 ounces (koz) in 2025, following a deficit of 995,000 koz in 2024. This is according to the Platinum Quarterly report for the fourth quarter of 2024, with a revised forecast for 2025 from the World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC).
By Ryan Chigoche
According to the report, the gap between supply and demand continues to widen, reinforcing concerns about long-term availability.
In 2024, the platinum market recorded a significant supply- demand imbalance, with the deficit exceeding initial forecasts by 46%. Total demand surged past 8 million ounces (Moz) for the first time since 2019, reaching 8,288 koz—a 5% increase from the previous year.
Meanwhile, total supply grew by just 3% year-on-year to 7,293 koz, still falling short of meeting growing consumption.
For 2025, demand is expected to remain high at 7,850 koz, despite a 5% decline from 2024 levels, while total supply is forecast to drop by 4% to 7,002 koz, further deepening the deficit.
These figures highlight the persistent structural imbalance, emphasizing the need for increased production or alternative solutions to stabilize the market.
Production constraints and disruptions in major mining regions continue to put downward pressure on supply, which is expected to decline further in 2025.
The projected 4% decrease underscores the ongoing challenges producers face in ramping up output. At the same time, the automotive sector remains a key driver of platinum demand, holding steady at 3,130 koz in 2024 and projected to reach 3,102 koz in 2025.
Despite the growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), which reduce reliance on platinum-based catalytic converters, traditional internal combustion engines still require significant amounts of the metal, sustaining its role in the industry.
Trevor Raymond, CEO of the World Platinum Investment Council, commented on these developments, stating:
“Platinum’s sustained consecutive annual deficits, almost 1 Moz in 2024, contain some investment flows related to the recent tariff-driven chaos but are largely structural in nature. Automotive demand remains steady as slower battery electric vehicle growth takes hold, and higher-for-longer internal combustion engine vehicle levels are more widely appreciated. The ongoing decline in mine supply continues, potentially accelerating as stock release benefits taper further. At the same time, the previously anticipated recovery in recycling failed to materialize in 2024. Recycling levels are at their lowest in 10 years, and growth looks set to struggle once more in 2025.”
Beyond the automotive sector, platinum jewelry demand has shown impressive growth, rising by 8% in 2024 and expected to increase by another 2% in 2025, reaching a six-year high. Strong consumer interest, particularly in Asia, has been a major contributor to this upward trend.
Similarly, investment demand has surged, climbing 77% in 2024 due to strong exchange-traded fund (ETF) inflows and heightened large-bar purchases in China. This surge in investment interest reflects growing confidence in platinum as a strategic asset, particularly during times of economic uncertainty and market volatility.
Another crucial factor shaping the market is the steady depletion of above-ground platinum stocks. In 2024, stockpiles fell by 23%, and a further 25% decline is expected in 2025, reducing inventories to 2,535 koz—less than four months’ worth of global demand.
With reserves shrinking at a rapid pace, concerns about supply shortages are becoming more pronounced, potentially driving price increases in the near future.
The continued supply shortfall, coupled with strong demand across multiple sectors, suggests that the platinum market will remain in deficit for the foreseeable future.
While automotive demand may stabilize, the sustained growth in jewelry and investment demand, combined with tightening above-ground stocks, is expected to support platinum prices and overall market stability.
As platinum remains a critical metal in industrial and investment applications, stakeholders must closely monitor supply constraints and evolving demand trends to navigate the challenges ahead.
Kuvimba Mining House (KMH)‘s gold unit, Freda Rebecca Gold Mine, is set to begin the installation of a 6MW solar power plant by June this year as part of the company’s broader strategy to incorporate renewable energy across its operations, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
This initiative is a key component of Kuvimba’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint.
The solar installation is expected to generate approximately 30% of Freda Rebecca’s power requirements, marking a significant shift towards more environmentally responsible energy use. Freda Rebecca Gold Mine currently consumes around 20 MW of power, and the solar project will meet a substantial portion of this demand, contributing to the mine’s sustainability goals.
Patrick Maseva-Shayawabaya, Managing Director of Freda Rebecca Gold Mine, highlighted the significance of the solar project in the mine’s operational framework.
“The solar project—what we’ve done is we’ve entered into an off-take agreement with an independent power producer (IPP). Essentially, what we’ve signed with the IPP is an off-take agreement that whatever power they supply, we will get. We use about 20 megawatts of power, and the solar project will produce about 30% of that, which is about 6 or so megawatts,” Maseva-Shayawabaya said during a visit to the gold mine.
The partnership with the IPP is aimed at securing funding for the solar installation, with the project expected to be fully operational within the next 24 months. While the solar plant won’t meet the mine’s entire energy needs, it marks a substantial leap towards lowering dependence on traditional power sources and enhancing the mine’s energy sustainability.
Kuvimba Mining House has developed a comprehensive power strategy, incorporating short-, medium-, and long-term goals to transition towards renewable energy sources across its entire portfolio. The Freda Rebecca solar installation is the first of several planned renewable energy projects under this strategy.
Group Chief Executive Officer Trevor Barnard explained that the Freda Rebecca solar plant is only the beginning of Kuvimba’s renewable energy initiatives.
“We’re putting a power strategy together for Kuvimba Mining House, divided into short-, medium-, and long-term goals. Part of that strategy will obviously be to install renewable energy sources, and we hope to start with the first solar installation here at Freda Rebecca before June this year. This will be just the start, and we’ll roll out further renewable energy suppliers throughout the group into the future,” Barnard said.
The solar plant’s contribution to Freda Rebecca’s power requirements will be pivotal in lowering electricity costs, ensuring energy reliability, and enhancing sustainability. With the volatility of grid-supplied power and environmental concerns around traditional energy sources, the use of solar power presents a cleaner, more sustainable solution for the mine’s operations.
Freda Rebecca Mine’s sustainability efforts go beyond energy solutions. The company has demonstrated a proactive approach to environmental rehabilitation, with ongoing initiatives aimed at restoring degraded land areas. This includes re-vegetating the Tailings Storage Facility (TSF), which stores waste materials from mining operations.
Maseva-Shayawabaya emphasized the mine’s focus on long-term sustainability and the importance of maintaining a healthy environment even during active mining operations.
“Rehabilitating the environment is something that we do on an ongoing basis. If you go to our tailings storage facility, for instance, there’s a major drive to re-vegetate the land so that forests will grow naturally where mining used to happen. That’s an ongoing effort to ensure we don’t wait until the mine reaches the end of its life before rehabilitating the land,” he said.
This strategy aligns with the goals of the “Restoring Nature, Securing Tomorrow” campaign launched by Kuvimba Mining House earlier this year, which focuses on environmental stewardship, dust suppression, and sustainable community engagement. The campaign, which has already seen the planting of over 10,000 indigenous trees around Freda Rebecca’s TSF, highlights the company’s commitment to restoring ecosystems impacted by mining activities.
Kuvimba Mining House (KMH), Zimbabwe’s leading gold producer, has officially launched its annual sustainability campaign titled “Restoring Nature, Securing Tomorrow,” with a key focus on environmental stewardship and reforestation.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
As part of this initiative, the company has already planted over 10,000 indigenous trees around the Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) at Freda Rebecca Gold Mine since January 2025, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
The initiative aims to foster the preservation of ecosystems, protect communities near mining operations, and ensure long-term environmental sustainability. Indigenous trees, which are more resilient to local environmental conditions, are being planted to restore green spaces and combat the degradation caused by mining activities.
Kuvimba Mining House’s sustainability campaign demonstrates the company’s commitment to responsible mining practices. The “Restoring Nature, Securing Tomorrow” initiative is poised to set a new standard for environmental stewardship in the mining industry.
Speaking at the launch, Kuvimba Mining House Group CEO Trevor Barnard underscored the company’s dedication to preserving the environment:
“We are strongly committed to preserving the environment and protecting communities in our operational areas. I am delighted to launch the ‘Restoring Nature, Securing Tomorrow’ initiative, where we build our operations and support our teams to foster environmental stewardship. Working with local communities is essential for ensuring long-term environmental sustainability,” Barnard said.
The campaign, which focuses on reforestation, dust suppression, and infrastructure rehabilitation, forms a critical part of Kuvimba’s strategy to integrate environmental protection into its mining operations. TSFs, like the one at Freda Rebecca, are essential for managing mining waste, but they also pose risks to ecosystems and local communities if not properly managed. The reforestation efforts around the TSF aim to mitigate these risks.
The “Restoring Nature, Securing Tomorrow” campaign is not limited to Freda Rebecca. Kuvimba’s other mining operations are also implementing sustainability measures. At Sandawana Mines in Mberengwa, over 20 kilometers of roadworks have been completed, and dust suppression measures have been introduced to minimize environmental impact. In Lower Gweru, Jena Mines has constructed over 5 kilometers of road infrastructure to improve access to surrounding areas.
In addition, Zimbabwe Alloys, another Kuvimba entity, has launched a backfilling program to rehabilitate disused mining pits, reducing environmental hazards and protecting local communities.
A key feature of the campaign is collaboration with local communities. The launch event at Freda Rebecca Gold Mine was attended by Chief Chipadze, representatives from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), and over 100 students on attachment and graduate trainees. The involvement of local stakeholders highlights Kuvimba’s commitment to community engagement in its environmental initiatives.
Kuvimba has also introduced health promotion programs within the districts where it operates, working closely with local chiefs and community leaders. These initiatives are designed to enhance the well-being of communities and ensure their participation in preserving the environment.
Barnard emphasized the importance of planting indigenous trees, which are better suited to local conditions and more likely to thrive. Since January 2025, over 10,000 trees have been planted at Freda Rebecca, with an additional 500 trees being planted as part of the launch event. Indigenous trees are vital for restoring degraded ecosystems and ensuring long-term environmental resilience.
“Indigenous trees can withstand local conditions, including drought and disease, ensuring their growth and prosperity, much like our vision for Kuvimba Mining House and Freda Rebecca Gold Mine to thrive into the future,” Barnard said.
The “Restoring Nature, Securing Tomorrow” campaign is set to become a key pillar of Kuvimba’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy. In addition to environmental stewardship, the company is focused on education and health initiatives. Since Kuvimba’s inception, over 1,000 students have participated in training programs, and 80 students are currently gaining practical experience across its operations.
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