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Zimplats Renewable Energy Use Rises to 88% Amid Major Solar Expansion

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Zimbabwe’s largest platinum producer, Zimplats, has significantly boosted its renewable energy use to 88%, a notable achievement in its journey towards sustainability, with the increase driven by a combination of hydropower and solar energy, making the company a leader in renewable energy adoption within the country’s mining sector, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

According to Implats Group CEO Nico Muller, Zimplats completed the construction of a US$37 million, 35MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in 2024—the first utility-scale solar power plant of its kind in Zimbabwe and within the Implats group.

“Despite some projects being deferred due to depressed metal prices, we completed construction of a US$37 million 35MW solar plant at Zimplats. The plant is now fully operational and connected to the national grid,” Muller said.

Furthermore, Zimplats’ hydropower offtake agreement with Zambia’s Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) was increased from 50MW to 70MW at the beginning of 2024. This raised Zimplats’ overall renewable energy consumption from 67% to an impressive 88%, positioning the company as a benchmark for sustainable energy practices in Zimbabwe.

Zimplats is already looking ahead with plans to begin the next phase of its ambitious 185MW solar project. The solar initiative is being developed in four phases, with the first 35MW phase already exceeding expectations by generating up to 36.5MW. This phase has been fully integrated into the national grid since August 2024.

As part of this ongoing expansion, the next phase will involve a 45MW addition at a cost of US$54 million. The company is currently securing funding for this phase, with agreements expected to be finalized soon. Once completed, the entire project will significantly bolster Zimbabwe’s renewable energy capacity and reduce dependence on non-renewable sources.

Zimplats’ renewable energy push comes at a time when the company is undergoing a broader US$1.8 billion expansion that includes new mining developments and additional processing capacity. The increased reliance on renewable energy sources is crucial for maintaining both operational efficiency and environmental sustainability, particularly as the mining industry faces global pressure to reduce its carbon footprint.

The renewable energy initiative aligns with Zimplats’ strategy to cut operational costs and improve sustainability. The investment in solar power is not just environmentally driven but also economically advantageous, as energy security remains a major concern in Zimbabwe’s power-challenged economy. The solar plant will help offset the impact of inconsistent power supplies, reducing reliance on fossil fuels while ensuring a more stable energy source for the company’s operations.

However, Zimplats is also navigating challenges within its broader operations. In the first half of its fiscal year, the company reported a 6% revenue decline, falling to US$350.2 million, due to lower production and sales volumes. Processing delays, including increased furnace lockup and the late commissioning of expanded smelter converters, contributed to a 15% reduction in 6E production, with the company producing 279,890 ounces, down from 327,810 ounces in the prior period.

Despite these setbacks, Zimplats remains committed to its long-term growth, with key projects like the smelter expansion and the installation of a sulphur dioxide abatement plant moving towards completion. The new smelter, which will increase processing capacity from 135,000 tonnes of concentrate per year to 380,000 tonnes, is expected to have a positive impact on the company’s output in the coming years.

Zimplats’ renewable energy initiatives underscore its broader commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility. The use of both solar and hydropower not only helps the company meet its energy needs but also aligns with global trends toward greener mining practices.

With the completion of the first phase of its solar project and the next 45MW phase on the horizon, Zimplats is well-positioned to further reduce its carbon emissions and secure a more sustainable future for its operations. As the largest platinum producer in Zimbabwe, Zimplats’ leadership in renewable energy use sets a strong example for the mining sector and the country as a whole.

In the words of Nico Muller, “These initiatives are part of our broader vision to create a more sustainable and resilient operation, ensuring that we can continue to meet our production goals while minimizing our environmental impact.”

Zimplats’ continued investments in renewable energy and innovative technologies place it at the forefront of the mining sector’s transition towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. The company’s proactive approach to tackling energy challenges ensures its competitiveness in the evolving global market, while contributing positively to Zimbabwe’s economic and environmental landscape.

Kariba Power Generation Soars, Alleviating Pressure on Energy Supply

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In a significant boost to Zimbabwe’s mining sector, electricity generation at the Kariba Hydroelectric Power Plant saw a remarkable surge on March 4th, reaching 485 megawatts (MW), a nine-month record high since June 2024.

By Ryan Chigoche

This increase brought today’s total output to 1,304 MW, up from 910 MW the previous day.

The surge in electricity production can be attributed to a rise in Lake Kariba’s water levels, which reached 9.6% on March 3rd, 2025, up from 6.17% on February 3rd, 2025.

This improvement in water levels is due to increased rainfall, as reported by the Zambezi River Authority. However, water levels still remain below last year’s figure of 15.36% for the same period.

This decline in water levels has contributed to a decrease in usable live storage for power generation, which has dropped to 6.21 billion cubic meters (BCM) from 9.95 BCM last year, reflecting a reduction in the available capacity for hydroelectric generation.

Furthermore, the Kariba Hydroelectric Power Plant, which has a capacity of 1,050 MW, has been generating only 185 MW per day in recent times.

The recent increase in electricity generation is crucial, especially as Hwange Unit 7 went offline for Class B maintenance from March 2nd to March 29th, removing 300 MW from the national grid.

The additional 300 MW from Kariba will help mitigate the gap in supply, assuming this generation level continues.

This surge in electricity generation also comes as a welcome development for Zimbabwe’s mining sector, which is heavily reliant on a steady and affordable power supply.

Mining operations, known for their substantial power requirements, have long struggled with power shortages and the high cost of diesel-powered generators. As many miners have yet to invest in solar plants due to the substantial capital needed for such investments, the increased electricity generation from Kariba offers critical relief.

The availability of more reliable and cheaper power will reduce the need for costly diesel backup systems, helping mining companies cut operational costs and improve their competitiveness.

Meanwhile, both Zimbabwe and Zambia remain heavily dependent on the Kariba Dam for electricity generation, making this boost in production even more vital for meeting national energy needs.

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe today 05 March 2025

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe today 05 March 2025, from the official gold buyer and exporter Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR).

SG 90% and ABOVE US$88.28g

SG ABOVE 85% BUT BELOW 90% US$87.35g

SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$86.41/g

SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$85.48/g

SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$84.08/g

Fire Assay CASH US$88.75/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 1% royalty is charged on all deposits (Small-Scale Miners ASM)

A 5% royalty is set for Primary Producers

Contango Holdings Transitions to Cash-Generative Royalty Model for Steady Revenue Growth as Firm Remains in the Red Contango Holdings

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Contango Holdings is transitioning into a cash-generative royalty company, capitalizing on its operations at Muchesu Mine to secure steady revenue streams and long-term growth. This shift follows the implementation of a Mineral Royalty Agreement (MRA) with its primary investor, designed to reduce operational risks while ensuring consistent cash flow.

By Ryan Chigoche

However, this strategic transition comes as the company remained in the red for the six months ending November 2024, posting a loss of US $1,152,324, although 17% lower than the $1,400,630 loss reported in the prior comparable period.

The strategic shift marks a defining period in the company’s history, significantly reducing previous risks associated with being the sole mine operator at Muchesu.

The move to a royalty-focused business model not only provides investors with substantial growth potential but also shields shareholders from uncertainties related to future operational costs, capital expenditure, and working capital requirements.

In the financial results for the six months ending November 30, 2024, Contango’s Chief Executive Officer, Carl Esprey, highlighted the transformation, stating,

“Contango continues to make strong progress as it transitions to a cash-generative royalty company, and I am pleased with the strides we have made during this defining period. The decision to transition to a royalty-focused company has removed a number of the previous risks associated with being the sole mine operator at Muchesu. This strategy not only offers our investors significant growth potential but also protects shareholders from changes to future operating, as well as capital expenditure and working capital funding requirements. Moreover, the company has now resized its cost base and expects to see the benefits of a leaner organisation flow through in the next financial year,” he said.

Under the MRA, Contango has already received $500,000 in royalties, with another $500,000 expected soon. A further $1,000,000 is projected for the second quarter of 2025, aligning with the MRA’s minimum annual royalty schedule of $2,000,000. This arrangement provides a consistent cash flow, supporting debt reduction and enhancing shareholder value, which will further narrow the company’s losses.

Looking ahead, royalty payments for the second half of 2025 and beyond will be directly linked to production levels at Muchesu. The investor, focusing on coking coal production and sales, will generate royalty payments of US$8 per tonne to Contango, creating a stable revenue model that supports long-term growth.

Additionally, Contango successfully raised £1,850,000 in gross proceeds following the publication of a Short Form Prospectus (SFP) in January 2025. The investor subscribed for 142,000,000 shares and later acquired additional shares on the open market, increasing its total holdings to 154,750,000 shares, approximately 20.42% of the company. This makes the investor the largest shareholder, further aligning its interests with Contango’s strategic direction.

The funds raised, alongside the received and expected royalty payments, will primarily be allocated to repaying outstanding investor loans. As of November 30, 2024, these loans stood at £4,418,062. Contango has reached an agreement with loan holders, many of whom are long-standing shareholders, to prioritize loan repayments before implementing its intended dividend policy. Any additional income will be directed toward general working capital, ensuring financial stability.

Commenting on the development, Chairman Roy Pitchford expressed optimism about the transition from a mining operation to a royalty-based business and its potential to create shareholder value.

“Looking forward, I remain highly optimistic about the outlook for the remainder of 2025 and beyond. We are well-positioned to transition from being a mining operation to a profitable royalty business, with the infrastructure now in place to support continued growth. As we ramp up production at Muchesu and begin to see the full impact of the DMS plants, we expect operational momentum to accelerate, translating into increased sales and higher royalty receipts. I am confident that the steps we have taken, alongside the continued support from our investor, will enable us to deliver on our strategy and create lasting value for all stakeholders.” Pitchford said.

The Board has pledged to provide shareholders with regular updates on Muchesu’s production levels, with royalty payments made one month in arrears. This structured approach aims to solidify Contango’s transition into a financially sustainable royalty business while delivering long-term value to stakeholders.

Contango also stated that its strategic alliance with Huo Investments Ltd, the investment vehicle of a prominent Zimbabwe-based Chinese national, is progressing well and is expected to drive significant advancements at Muchesu Mine.

The company further noted that the initial royalty payments under the MRA mark a significant milestone, with expectations of higher revenue as operations scale up. Esprey emphasized confidence in Huo Investments’ ability to establish a profitable operation at Muchesu, underlining the strong partnership and shared vision for growth. Additionally, he pointed out that the company’s streamlined cost structure would lead to improved financial efficiency in the coming year.

ZMF Celebrates Gold Incentive Breakthrough

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Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) President Ms. Henrietta Rushwaya has hailed the reduction of the gold incentive threshold from 20 kilograms to 500 grams as a game-changer for Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (ASM), Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking to this publication after Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) announced the new incentive policy, Rushwaya described the move as a direct response to the requests presented to FGR by the ZMF during their strategic workshop just a month ago.

“A very welcome and positive move indeed, especially after we presented the request to Fidelity barely a month ago on the need to differentiate incentives between producers and buyers,” said Rushwaya. “Coming up with such incentives encourages the ASM sector to produce more gold, thereby contributing significantly to economic growth. Such moves will make us more competitive in terms of production, thereby increasing our export receipts.”

The decision by FGR comes at a crucial time when the ASM sector is being recognized as a vital driver of Zimbabwe’s gold output, contributing significantly to the country’s foreign exchange earnings. The revised threshold makes it more accessible for small-scale miners, who often deliver smaller quantities of gold compared to large buyers, to benefit from the 5% incentive. In the past, the 20kg threshold was seen as benefiting gold-buying agents rather than individual small-scale miners, who rarely achieved such high delivery volumes.

The revision of the gold incentive comes at a time when gold deliveries to FGR have shown impressive growth, driven primarily by ASM’s strong performance. In January 2025, total gold deliveries increased by a staggering 31.94% compared to the same period in 2024, reaching 3,134.3456 kilograms, up from 2,375.3259 kilograms last year.

ASM led this surge, delivering 2,265.5474 kilograms, a remarkable 69.89% increase from the 1,333.4371 kilograms delivered in January 2024. Meanwhile, Large-Scale Miners (LSM) saw a 21.66% decline in their contributions, delivering 868.7982 kilograms compared to 1,108.8156 kilograms in January 2024. This shift highlights the increasing reliance on small-scale miners to maintain and grow Zimbabwe’s gold production.

Rushwaya emphasized that the new incentive would further motivate small-scale miners, making the 40-ton annual production target for 2025 “easily attainable.” This is especially significant, as ASM miners consistently delivered the majority of the country’s gold in 2024, accounting for over 65% of the total output.

The performance in January 2025 builds on the positive momentum seen throughout 2024. Gold deliveries to FGR in 2024 increased by 26.65%, with ASM contributing 21.41% more gold than in the previous year. By the end of the year, ASM miners had delivered 23,745.6423 kilograms, outpacing large-scale miners, who delivered 12,741.1103 kilograms. In total, Zimbabwe produced 36,486.7526 kilograms of gold in 2024, a 21.22% increase from 30.1 tonnes in 2023.

In December 2024, ASM delivered 3,127.7228 kilograms, marking a 19.57% increase from November’s 2,615.8037 kilograms. In contrast, large-scale miners experienced a slight decline, delivering 1,034.517 kilograms, down 8.16% from November’s 1,126.3594 kilograms.

The consistent growth in ASM deliveries reflects the resilience and adaptability of the sector despite the many challenges it faces, including rising operational costs and power shortages. Rushwaya noted that incentivizing ASM through policies like the revised threshold is key to sustaining this growth.

With the reduction of the incentive threshold and the continued strong performance of ASM, Zimbabwe’s gold production outlook for 2025 looks promising. The sector is set to continue playing a pivotal role in the country’s economic growth, with small-scale miners now better positioned to benefit from the incentives in place.

However, for long-term success, both ASM and LSM sectors must address their respective challenges. While ASM is gaining momentum, large-scale mining operations must work towards overcoming the operational and infrastructural hurdles that have caused their decline in production. Ensuring a balanced contribution from both sectors will be vital in achieving sustained growth in Zimbabwe’s gold mining industry.

The move by FGR to lower the gold incentive threshold will undoubtedly empower ASM miners, aligning with Zimbabwe’s broader goals of increasing gold production and export receipts, further cementing the sector’s importance to the national economy.

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe 04 March 2025

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe today 04 March 2025, from the official gold buyer and exporter Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR).

  • SG 90% and ABOVE US$87.52g
  • SG ABOVE 85% BUT BELOW 90% US$86.59g
  • SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% U85.67/g
  • SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% U84.74/g
  • SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g U83.35/g

Fire Assay CAS89.57.98/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

Caledonia to Select 30 Graduates for New Graduate Trainee Program

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Victoria Falls Stock Exchange-listed, gold-focused miner Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc will soon select 30 talented graduates to join its new Graduate Trainee Program, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The program marks a significant step forward for the company and the broader mining industry in Zimbabwe. As the country continues its push toward becoming a global mining hub, the development of young talent is essential. By investing in the future workforce, Caledonia is not only securing its own operations but also contributing to the long-term sustainability and growth of Zimbabwe’s mining sector.

The initiative is particularly timely, given the industry’s growing demand for skilled professionals in areas such as engineering, geology, and finance, making it a critical part of the nation’s mining strategy.

“With an overwhelming number of applications received, soon we’ll select 30 talented graduates to join our new #GraduateTraineeProgramme. It offers hands-on experience in mining, engineering, finance, geology, and more,” Caledonia said in a recent statement on X.

The Graduate Trainee Program is part of Caledonia’s commitment to investing in Zimbabwe’s future mining leaders by providing them with critical hands-on experience across various fields within the mining sector. The trainees will gain exposure to the company’s operations and benefit from real-world training, equipping them with the skills necessary for a successful career in the mining industry.

Commenting on the development Hazel Tsungai Karoro said this initiative also aligns with the goals of the Association of Junior Mining Professionals of Zimbabwe (AJMPZ), which has been advocating for mining companies to integrate more graduate trainees into their operations.

AJMPZ believes that providing graduates with practical experience will not only strengthen the workforce but also encourage future mine owners to open new ventures, contributing to Zimbabwe’s mining sector growth.

“Programs like these are critical in building a sustainable mining industry,” said AJMPZ Secretary-General Hazel Karoro. “We have been pushing for companies to have as many graduate trainees as possible to ensure that these young professionals gain valuable experience and eventually start their own mines, helping to drive innovation and growth in the sector.”

By offering graduates hands-on experience in key areas such as mining engineering, finance, and geology, Caledonia’s program will help build a robust pipeline of future leaders in Zimbabwe’s mining industry. The company’s support for talent development is crucial to strengthening the country’s human resources within the sector.

Victory for Small Scale Miners: Gold Incentive Threshold Slashed to 500g!

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The country’s sole gold buyer and exporter, Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR), has made a critical revision to its incentive threshold that will directly benefit Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASM). The new incentive policy, effective immediately, reduces the gold delivery threshold from 20 kilograms to 500 grams per calendar month, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

This revision is set to provide significant support to the ASM sector, which has struggled to meet the previous high threshold of 20kg to access the 5% gold incentive. Miners, through the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF), voiced their concerns, noting that the previous target mainly benefited gold-buying agents rather than individual small-scale miners, as very few ASMs were able to deliver such large quantities.

According to ZMF CEO Mr. Wellington Takavarasha, ZMF, which represents the interests of ASM, played a key role in advocating for the revision, explaining that miners who produce will be rewarded by Fidelity.

“The revised threshold is a big win for the small-scale mining sector. It acknowledges the hard work of miners producing smaller quantities and ensures that they are rewarded appropriately for their contributions.”

Takavarasha’s statement underscores the frustration that small miners faced under the old system, which they perceived as geared more toward large buyers or middlemen, depriving them of fair incentives.

The reduction to 500 grams will allow more ASM players to qualify for the 5% incentive, boosting morale and encouraging increased formal gold deliveries. As the ASM sector contributes a significant portion of the nation’s gold output, this change is expected to drive further compliance and transparency while promoting responsible mining practices. The sector’s contribution is seen as crucial to the overall success of Zimbabwe’s gold production goals, with small-scale operations consistently delivering sizable quantities to FGR.

This policy shift aligns with the Zimbabwean government’s focus on enhancing the productivity of small-scale mining as a key pillar in achieving Vision 2030, where the nation is expected to become an upper-middle-income economy. The increase in incentives is expected to help formalize more ASM operations, providing them with financial benefits while simultaneously supporting the broader objective of curbing gold smuggling through formal channels.

With these changes, ASM miners now have the opportunity to increase their contribution to national gold output while benefiting from financial incentives that were previously out of reach for the majority. As the sector continues to grow, further collaborations between ZMF, FGR, and government bodies will likely play a crucial role in supporting responsible gold mining and sourcing in Zimbabwe.

Zimplats Contributes Over US$106 Million in Taxes

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The country’s biggest platinum group metal (PGM) producer, Zimplats, contributed over US$106 million (R2.03 billion) in taxes to the Zimbabwean government in 2024, the company’s parent company, Impala Platinum (Implats), stated in its 2024 Tax Transparency and Economic Contribution Report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

This considerable tax payment underscores Zimplats’ pivotal role not only as a mining giant but also as a key financial contributor to the Zimbabwean economy, with its operations continuing to support national development through fiscal contributions, local procurement, and employment creation.

Zimplats’ contribution of US$106 million in taxes to the Zimbabwean government for 2024 represents one of the largest single fiscal injections from any corporate entity in the country. The tax payments are broken down into direct taxes amounting to R1.768 billion and indirect taxes totaling R262 million, with the company making payments for both income tax and state royalties. This significant contribution comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s economy needs stable revenue flows to fund critical infrastructure projects, healthcare systems, and educational programs.

In addition to tax payments, Zimplats continues to drive local development through its significant expenditure on local procurement. The company spent R13 billion (US$688 million) on procurement activities in 2024, of which 51% (R7 billion, or US$356 million) was spent on in-country procurement. This has not only helped substitute imports but also stimulated local enterprise development, thereby supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Zimbabwe.

Zimplats’ local procurement efforts form a key part of its strategy to ensure that the value generated by its mining activities remains within the Zimbabwean economy. By engaging local suppliers, contractors, and service providers, the company helps build capacity in the country’s industrial and commercial sectors, thereby fostering economic resilience. Local procurement also creates jobs in related sectors such as logistics, construction, and manufacturing, contributing to the overall reduction of unemployment in the country.

Moreover, Zimplats has been instrumental in supporting community development initiatives through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs. In 2024, the company maintained its commitment to improving the living standards of communities surrounding its operations, with investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects. Zimplats’ role in local communities is not just about creating jobs but also about building a sustainable future for Zimbabwean citizens by enhancing social services and supporting economic opportunities in rural areas.

The 2024 Tax and Economic Contribution Report by Implats also highlights Zimplats’ broader economic value distribution. For the year, Zimplats generated a gross value of R13.66 billion (approximately US$717 million), a substantial amount that underscores the company’s ability to generate wealth while balancing the interests of various stakeholders. The report reveals that a significant portion of this value was distributed to employees, communities, business partners, governments, lenders, and shareholders.

Employees and contractors: R3.115 billion (US$163 million) was distributed to the company’s workforce, highlighting Zimplats’ role as a major employer in Zimbabwe. In total, Zimplats employed 8,857 people, providing much-needed jobs and supporting livelihoods in the region. The company’s operations have become a key source of employment, contributing to the reduction of unemployment and poverty in Zimbabwe, particularly in the mining communities of Mashonaland West and the Midlands.

Communities, suppliers, and business partners: R6.845 billion (US$359 million) was paid to communities, suppliers, and business partners, demonstrating Zimplats’ commitment to maintaining strong relationships with its local and regional stakeholders. The company’s focus on partnering with local businesses and service providers has not only helped boost the local economy but has also enhanced Zimbabwe’s industrial base, fostering the growth of ancillary industries around mining activities.

Governments: A combined amount of R1.732 billion (US$91 million) was distributed to governments, including payments for state royalties and direct taxes. This reflects Zimplats’ commitment to fulfilling its fiscal obligations and contributing to the country’s national budget.

Lenders and shareholders: Zimplats also made payments to lenders and shareholders. R1.637 billion (US$86 million) was paid in dividends to shareholders, while the company also serviced its financial obligations to lenders. This demonstrates Zimplats’ financial stability and ability to generate returns for its investors while also supporting its capital structure and operational activities.

Zimplats remains committed to driving sustainable mining practices and long-term investment in Zimbabwe. In line with the country’s economic empowerment policies, the company has made efforts to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards into its operations. This includes responsible resource management, investments in renewable energy, and continued compliance with Zimbabwe’s environmental regulations.

The company’s Community Share Ownership Trust (CSOT) also reflects its dedication to ensuring that local communities benefit directly from mining activities. Through the CSOT, communities in the vicinity of Zimplats’ operations are granted a stake in the company, allowing them to share in the profits generated from mining. This initiative has not only strengthened Zimplats’ relationship with local communities but has also provided them with a financial safety net, enabling them to invest in social services such as education and healthcare.

Looking ahead, Zimplats remains focused on sustaining its operations while continuing to contribute to the Zimbabwean economy. The company is optimistic about the future as it continues to invest in new technologies, expand its mining operations, and improve its production capabilities. The planned construction of a base metal refinery at its operations is expected to further boost the country’s industrialization efforts and enhance Zimbabwe’s position as a major global player in the platinum group metals market.

RAN Mines Halts Operations Following TSF Breach

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Bindura-based gold producer RAN Mines has halted operations following a tailings storage facility (TSF) breach caused by heavy rainfall on the night of February 22, 2025.

By Ryan Chigoche

The incident led to tailings spilling into a nearby waterway, raising concerns about potential environmental contamination in Bindura’s Chipadze residential area.

The company had recently restarted operations using a smaller, interim tailings dam near its processing plant while awaiting environmental approvals for a permanent TSF.

Originally, RAN Mines planned to build a larger TSF to the east of the plant. However, unforeseen delays in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process forced the company to seek an alternative solution. To maintain production, a temporary TSF was established to the west of the plant, closer to town, after receiving approval from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA).

This interim structure was only intended to last five years, with the transition to the permanent TSF expected by the end of 2023.

However, on February 22, an intense downpour exceeding 100mm in less than five hours caused excessive stormwater runoff, overwhelming the interim TSF’s retaining walls.

The breach resulted in some tailings being washed into a nearby waterway that flows through Chipadze. While this raised immediate concerns about contamination, RAN Mines noted that the primary cause of flooding was the sheer volume of stormwater, which also eroded large amounts of material downstream.

Several homes along the waterway were affected, with residents reporting recurring flooding issues whenever heavy rains hit Bindura. In response, RAN Mines temporarily halted processing operations to manage water levels at the TSF and prevent further environmental risks. The company also took precautionary measures to mitigate potential contamination.

To assess the impact of the spill, RAN Mines engaged two SAZ-approved laboratories from Harare to test for cyanide in the affected water sources. At the same time, the company has been working closely with EMA and local authorities to monitor the situation and initiate decontamination efforts where necessary.

Following the incident, EMA ordered RAN Mines to halt all processing operations on February 26, 2025, until additional stormwater diversion and cleanup measures are completed. The company has committed to working with regulators and stakeholders to ensure compliance with environmental standards and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Despite the setback, RAN Mines remains a key employer and economic player in Mashonaland Central. The company is focused on addressing environmental concerns while securing regulatory approvals for the permanent TSF.

As it works toward resuming operations, RAN has assured stakeholders that all test results will be transparently shared and that any necessary remediation efforts will be undertaken.