Mining ZimbabweLatest Mining News, Policy and Industry Updates

After years of falling production, persistent strikes, and mounting losses, RioZim has confirmed that it is selling its mines to a new investor, Mining Zimbabwe reports.

By Ryan Chigoche

Once a major gold producer in Zimbabwe, the company has struggled with underinvestment, frequent equipment failures, and an unfavorable foreign currency regime that has squeezed operations.

These challenges have led to a steady decline in output, making it increasingly difficult for the company to sustain its operations.

In a statement on Thursday, RioZim announced that it is in the final stages of negotiations with a potential lender to address its financial and operational difficulties.

“The conclusion of the negotiations is imminent, which will resolve the company’s challenges,” the company said.

Alongside this, major shareholders have been in talks with several potential buyers and are now finalizing a deal with an investor set to acquire a majority stake in the company.

The transaction is still subject to due diligence, regulatory approvals, and the signing of sale and purchase agreements. Once completed, the new investor will be required to make a mandatory offer to minority shareholders.

RioZim’s production figures reflect the extent of its struggles. Gold output dropped by 27% in the first half of 2024, continuing a downward trend that has plagued the company for years.

Its flagship Renco Mine has been hampered by low ore grades, frequent breakdowns, and labor unrest. Meanwhile, in Kadoma, Cam & Motor Mine and Empress Refinery have remained in extended care and maintenance, despite a US$17 million investment in a BIOX plant that was intended to boost production by 50%. Instead, Cam & Motor’s gold output fell by 42% to just 130kg in the first half of last year.

Beyond gold, RioZim has interests in Murowa Diamonds and a 50% stake in the Sengwa coal project in Gokwe. However, these assets have not been enough to turn the company’s fortunes around.

With RioZim now on the verge of a change in ownership, the focus will shift to the new investor’s plans.

The key question is whether they will bring the capital and expertise needed to revive the company’s operations and restore its position as a major player in Zimbabwe’s gold mining industry.

Zimbabwe’s platinum production declined by 9% year-on-year to 121,000 ounces (koz), primarily due to reduced output at Zimplats, the country’s leading platinum group metals (PGM) producer, according to a recent report from the World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC).

By Ryan Chigoche

The decline in Zimplats’ production was caused by delays in commissioning its expanded smelter, leading to a temporary buildup of 14 koz in semi-finished inventory during the second half of 2024. Intermittent power supply disruptions further impacted operations, contributing to the overall reduction in output.

Despite the drop in Zimplats’ production, Zimbabwe’s total platinum output increased by 1% year-on-year, reaching 512 koz, an all-time high. This growth was primarily driven by a boost in production from Unki Mine, which offset the decline at Zimplats.

Mimosa Mine also saw a 3% increase in production during the period, processing 2.8 million tonnes of ore annually and producing 120,000 ounces of platinum (or 240,000 ounces of 4E). These positive performances helped mitigate the overall decline in Zimbabwe’s platinum production.

Globally, platinum supply grew by 3% year-on-year in 2024, reaching 5,766 koz, driven by stronger-than-expected output from South Africa and Russia. South Africa’s production increased by 4%, reaching 4,132 koz, aided by inventory drawdowns and a reduction in load-shedding. Russia’s output remained steady at 677 koz after furnace repairs were completed ahead of schedule.

However, global platinum supply is expected to contract by 5% in 2025, with production projected to fall to 5,506 koz. This decline is due to reduced palladium-related output in North America and further declines in South African production. Additionally, lower expectations for work-in-progress inventory releases are likely to tighten supply.

• Parks Orders Mines Ministry to Reject, Never Entertain Mining Applications targeting mining in the Hwange National Park

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has called on the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to reject any application for mining activities in Hwange National Park, specifically targeting the Sinamatella Black Rhino Intensive Protection Zone.

ZimParks has also urged the Ministry to never entertain similar applications in the future to safeguard this critical wildlife habitat, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The Sinamatella region, a crucial sanctuary for the endangered black rhino, holds a growing population of the species, which is listed under the *Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) Appendix I.* Mining activities in the area, according to ZimParks, would exacerbate the risk of extinction for the black rhino and hinder prospects of population recovery.

“The proposed mining project will actually increase the risk of species extinction, and prospects of population recovery will be negatively affected,” a ZimParks statement read.

Beyond its potential impact on black rhinos, ZimParks expressed deep concerns about the degradation of land in the region. The Sinamatella zone is part of Hwange National Park, home to Africa’s second-largest elephant population and other key wildlife species. The introduction of mining would undermine ecological conditions crucial for wildlife survival and reproduction.

In line with Zimbabwe’s commitment to restoring at least 30% of degraded terrestrial and inland water ecosystems by 2030, ZimParks stressed that approving mining activities in this sensitive area would derail progress in wildlife conservation. The move would also tarnish Zimbabwe’s global reputation as a leader in sustainable conservation.

The potential damage extends beyond conservation. Hwange National Park is one of Zimbabwe’s prime tourist destinations, and ZimParks warned that mining activities would severely affect tourism, a major revenue generator for the country. Noise, air, and land pollution created by mining would not only disrupt wildlife movement but also diminish the quality of visitor experiences.

“Our operations significantly rely on the revenue generated from tourism through leased concessions; thus, any mining operations introduced could adversely affect our ability to deliver quality experiences for tourists,” ZimParks stated.

Furthermore, ZimParks highlighted the broader risks of mining in the area, including increased poaching incidents and interference with groundwater flow. This disruption could threaten water sources essential for wildlife, worsening existing water shortages and leading to higher mortality rates among species. In turn, this could intensify human-wildlife conflicts in surrounding communities.

Sinamatella is also home to the historic Bumbusi Ruins, which hold significant cultural and historical value for the local Nambian-speaking communities. Annual cultural rituals and rain-making ceremonies are performed by traditional leaders, and mining activities could endanger this important cultural heritage.

ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo emphasized that the organization will continue to advocate for the protection of critical wildlife habitats and uphold its commitment to conservation for the benefit of future generations.

As Zimbabwe grapples with balancing economic development and environmental conservation, the outcome of this appeal will be a telling sign of the nation’s priorities.

Five individuals, including a heavily pregnant woman and three relatives, tragically lost their lives on Sunday after their Honda Fit plunged into an abandoned chrome mining pit in Shurugwi, highlighting the dangers posed by unrehabilitated mining pits—a longstanding issue that has claimed numerous lives in mining areas across the country, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The incident underscores the critical need for stronger mining rehabilitation measures in Zimbabwe.

According to Shurugwi District Development Coordinator Romeo Shangwa, the fifth body was retrieved after water was pumped out of the 30-meter-deep pit overnight, following efforts by the police’s sub-aqua unit. Fortunately, one passenger managed to escape by swimming out of the flooded pit, but the other five occupants did not survive.

While this incident is devastating, it is not an isolated case. Unsecured and unrehabilitated mining pits continue to pose a significant threat to communities near mining areas. Disused pits, often left abandoned after mining activities cease, turn into death traps for both humans and wildlife, as evidenced by this latest tragedy.

The Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe has long called for the introduction of a comprehensive Mining Rehabilitation Fund, which would mandate mining companies to set aside resources for rehabilitating mined land. Rehabilitation of mining sites involves filling in pits, managing waste dumps, and restoring the land to its natural state or to a safe and usable condition.

This tragedy, among others, has reignited the debate on the urgent need for this fund to be included in the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, a legislative step that would hold mining companies accountable for restoring the land once extraction activities are complete.

The Chamber of Mines has emphasized the importance of addressing this issue in the bill, as rehabilitation is crucial not only for preventing such accidents but also for reducing environmental damage. Without a mandatory rehabilitation fund, mining companies may abandon sites without any obligation to mitigate the risks associated with disused pits.

The failure to rehabilitate mining sites has far-reaching consequences, including environmental degradation, soil erosion, and the contamination of water sources. However, the most immediate and devastating impact is the risk posed to human life. Abandoned mining pits, often filled with water, become hazards that can easily trap vehicles, animals, or unsuspecting individuals.

In areas like Shurugwi, where mining is prevalent, local communities face constant danger from unmarked and unprotected mining pits. These areas become even more dangerous during the rainy season when water fills the pits, making them appear less hazardous than they actually are.

The incident in Shurugwi is a stark reminder of the urgent need for mining companies to take responsibility for the environmental and social impacts of their operations. The absence of a regulatory framework enforcing rehabilitation leaves communities exposed to unnecessary risks, while the environment continues to suffer long-term damage.

If implemented, the Mining Rehabilitation Fund could provide a systematic approach to ensuring that mining companies restore mined areas, reducing the risks associated with abandoned pits. By making rehabilitation mandatory and holding companies financially accountable, Zimbabwe can prevent future tragedies and ensure that mining activities are conducted in a more responsible and sustainable manner.

Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, Midlands Police Spokesperson, stated that the names of the five deceased individuals are yet to be released. However, their deaths serve as a powerful call to action for all stakeholders in the mining sector. It is time for the government, mining companies, and communities to work together to prioritize safety and environmental stewardship, ensuring that no more lives are lost due to neglected mining practices.

The Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, with the inclusion of provisions for a Mining Rehabilitation Fund, is a critical step in this direction. By taking action now, Zimbabwe can create a safer environment for its people while ensuring that the legacy of mining is one of sustainability rather than tragedy.

Watch: As the vehicle is retreaved from below the disused shaft https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1BP9fzsrq6/

Ran Mine has set ambitious production targets for 2025, aiming for a 36% increase in gold output to reach 250 kilograms following recent capacity expansions. After exceeding internal expectations with 184 kg of gold produced in 2024, the mine is optimistic about its continued growth, supported by significant enhancements to its processing capabilities.

By Ryan Chigoche

The mine’s recent expansion efforts include the installation of a larger ball mill at the end of December 2024, which has significantly increased its milling and leaching capacity to 23,000 tonnes per month. This upgrade is a key development in improving production efficiency. With these improvements in place, Ran Mine is well-positioned to ramp up its output in 2025 and meet its ambitious production targets.

Looking ahead, Ran Mine plans to conduct a comprehensive scoping study by the end of 2025 to evaluate additional expansion opportunities. This study will assess potential investments in technology and further enhancements to the mine’s production capacity, with the goal of surpassing the 250 kg target.

However, this target is currently under threat due to a recent challenge faced by the mine. Operations were temporarily halted following a breach in the tailings storage facility (TSF), which caused tailings to spill into a nearby waterway.

Originally, Ran Mine had planned to build a larger TSF to the east of the processing plant, but delays in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process forced the company to seek an alternative solution. As a result, a temporary TSF was established to the west of the plant, closer to town, after receiving approval from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA).

This disruption could delay the mine’s ability to meet its ambitious gold production target of 250 kg for 2025, as resources are temporarily diverted to address the issue. Once the TSF challenge is resolved, the mine expects to resume production and continue its growth trajectory.

Ran Mine, located on the eastern edge of Bindura town in Mashonaland Central, has a rich and storied history dating back to 1899.

Mining operations began in earnest in 1910 and continued intermittently until the mine’s closure in 2000 due to low gold prices and technical difficulties. The mine’s reopening in October 2021, with the commissioning of a new crushing plant and trial processing plant, marked a significant turning point in its development.

Since then, the mine has seen continuous growth, including a second phase of expansion in November 2022, which introduced a trial open-pit mine. In 2024, the mine took another important step by decommissioning its trial ball mill in favor of a larger, more efficient model, further strengthening its processing infrastructure.

Kavango Resources, a London-listed mining company, has completed its initial resource drilling programme at the Prospect 3 target on the Hillside gold project in Zimbabwe.

By Ryan Chigoche

This drilling programme provided valuable geological data and samples that will be used for further testing, including assays, metallurgical, and geotechnical evaluations. These tests are crucial for defining a maiden resource estimate for the project.

The drilling involved 34 diamond drill holes, totaling 2,109 meters, and confirmed the presence of shear zones containing quartz veins beneath areas previously worked by artisanal miners. As part of its next steps, Kavango plans to carry out additional structural analysis to better understand the relationships between different vein sets and surrounding geological features, including shear zones, faults, and areas of mineralization.

Ben Turney, Chief Executive of Kavango Resources, commented on the progress: *”We are very pleased with how quickly our team has delivered this drill programme and are excited to receive the results. We have high hopes for our Hillside Gold Project, and if we are able to prove there is a minable resource at Prospect 3, we aim to bring that into production this year. We only set Kavango Zimbabwe up in July 2023, so to be on the cusp of hopefully moving one of our discoveries into production in such a short period of time is a significant achievement. We look forward to providing results in the next month or so.”

In addition to its focus on gold, Kavango is also prospecting for rare earth elements, iron ore, and copper throughout Southern Africa. The company is working on developing both open-pit and underground mines using modern mechanized techniques. The Hillside project, which includes the Nara project, features several high-priority targets. Prospect 3, in particular, is suited for open-pit selective bulk mining, with potential for underground mechanized mining. Meanwhile, Prospect 4 is being explored for its high-grade underground mining potential.

Geology of Prospect 3

At Prospect 3, the surface is covered by a thin layer (less than 1 meter) of soil and loose rocks. Beneath this, the northern part of the area features solid diorite and granodiorite, while the southern portion consists of older rocks such as metasediments (rocks formed from other rocks) and metavolcanics (rocks formed from volcanic activity), as well as Banded Iron Formation (BIF). The soil and rock cover is slightly thicker in the southern part (less than 2 meters), where the volcanic rocks are softer and break apart more easily.

Exploration drilling has revealed shear zones—areas where the rock has been weakened—that contain quartz veins. These shear zones are located beneath areas where artisanal miners have worked on the surface. The mineralization within these shear zones occurs in the diorite, granodiorite, metasediments, and metavolcanics. The shear zones generally run in a west-northwest to east-southeast direction, dipping towards the north-northeast. The areas where artisanal miners have worked on the surface seem to align closely with the mineral-rich zones observed in the drill core samples.

The project demonstrates significant growth potential, further enhanced by Kavango’s use of advanced exploration techniques. These methods are helping the company deepen its understanding of the mineralization at Hillside, positioning it for a more efficient and larger-scale operation. With these developments, Kavango is well-positioned to move forward with its production plans, reinforcing its commitment to bringing the project to fruition.

Gold deliveries to the country’s sole operating buyer and exporter, Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR), increased by 38.63% in February 2025 compared to the same month last year. The rise in deliveries continues to highlight the contribution of Zimbabwe’s Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (ASM), despite a dip from the previous month’s record output, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Total deliveries for February 2025 amounted to 2,568.2544 kg, a significant increase from 1,853.0017 kg in February 2024. However, this marks an 18.06% decline from 3,134.3456 kg in January 2025.

ASM played a crucial role in February’s gold deliveries, contributing 1,640.3149 kg, which is a remarkable 89.79% increase compared to 864.3061 kg in February 2024. Despite the significant year-on-year improvement, ASM output saw a 27.61% decrease from the 2,265.5474 kg delivered in January 2025. The dip can be attributed to operational challenges and market fluctuations but remains impressive in driving national gold output.

In contrast, large-scale miners experienced a decline in their year-on-year output. Deliveries from large-scale producers in February 2025 stood at 927.9395 kg, a 6.14% decrease from 988.6956 kg in February 2024. However, large-scale deliveries showed a slight improvement from the 868.7982 kg delivered in January 2025, marking a 6.81% month-on-month increase.

The decrease in large-scale production over the past year reflects broader challenges faced by the sector, including operational constraints and investment shortages. Large-scale miners have struggled to regain the levels of output seen in previous years, placing more pressure on ASM to sustain overall gold production.

The first two months of 2025 have seen total gold deliveries of 5,702.6000 kg, signaling a strong start to the year despite the monthly decline in February. Comparatively, the surge in ASM output in January helped offset the slowdown in February, ensuring that 2025 remains on track to meet annual production targets.

In January 2025, total gold deliveries reached 3,134.3456 kg, up from 2,375.3259 kg in January 2024. ASM contributed a significant 2,265.5474 kg, compared to 1,333.4371 kg delivered in January 2024. Meanwhile, LSM saw a drop, delivering 868.7982 kg in January 2025, down from 1,108.8156 kg the previous year. The surge in ASM output highlights the vital role small-scale miners play in driving the country’s gold production despite the challenges faced by the LSM sector.

This rise in gold deliveries builds on the strong performance of 2024, where gold deliveries to FGR increased by 26.65%, with ASM dominating the sector with a 21.41% surge. Throughout 2024, small-scale miners consistently outperformed their large-scale counterparts, contributing nearly two-thirds of the total gold delivered. By year-end, ASM had delivered 23,745.6423 kg, while LSM accounted for 12,741.1103 kg, bringing total gold deliveries for 2024 to 36,486.7526 kg. This represents a 21.22% increase from the 30.1 tonnes delivered in 2023.

In December 2024 alone, ASM delivered 3,127.7228 kg of gold, marking a 19.57% increase from 2,615.8037 kg in November. In contrast, large-scale miners experienced a slight decline, delivering 1,034.517 kg, down 8.16% from November’s 1,126.3594 kg. The monthly fluctuations in gold deliveries reflected the volatility of the sector, but ASM’s consistent growth helped maintain overall stability.

This trend highlights the resilience of ASM miners in the face of challenges such as rising operational costs, erratic power supply, and unfavorable exchange rate policies. As a result, the sector has proven instrumental in keeping Zimbabwe’s gold output steady, compensating for the challenges faced by large-scale mining operations.

As 2025 progresses, it will be crucial to address the obstacles facing both ASM and large-scale miners to ensure continued growth in gold production. Early indications from January and February suggest that ASM will continue to be the driving force behind gold deliveries, while efforts must be made to boost large-scale production to balance the sector.

With the right support and incentives, Zimbabwe’s gold sector remains well-positioned to meet its annual production goals, further strengthening its role as a cornerstone of the national economy.

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has announced fuel price adjustments for March 2025, with diesel prices decreasing while petrol prices have risen.

By Ryan Chigoche

Diesel prices dropped by 3%, from US$1.58 in February to US$1.54 per litre, mainly due to fluctuating global oil prices and inconsistent demand. Meanwhile, petrol prices increased by 1% to US$1.55 per litre, up from US$1.53, largely driven by changes in ethanol blending ratios.

The decline in diesel prices comes as a relief to industries that rely heavily on the fuel, particularly mining companies, which use diesel-powered generators as backups during frequent electricity outages.

Many mining operations, especially in remote areas, face erratic power supplies and depend on diesel to maintain productivity. A reduction in diesel costs could slightly ease operational expenses for the sector, which is already grappling with high energy costs and foreign currency shortages.

The rise in petrol prices is linked to the reduction of the mandatory ethanol blend ratio from 15% to 10%. This adjustment follows routine maintenance by Zimbabwe’s major ethanol producers, Green Fuel in Chisumbanje and Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe in Chiredzi, which has disrupted ethanol supply. A similar trend has been observed in previous years, with ethanol blending ratios sometimes dropping as low as 5% between February and April.

Since ethanol is cheaper than pure fuel, lowering its proportion in the blend increases the overall cost of petrol production, contributing to the price hike.

Additionally, international petrol prices rose between January 31 and February 27, 2025, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Russia’s continued Western sanctions have led to voluntary oil production cuts aimed at stabilizing global prices. In response, Russia has increased exports to Asian markets like China and India, forming new trade agreements with non-Western nations to offset its restricted access to Western markets.