The Speaker of Parliament has warned Chinese miner Sunny Yi Feng (Pvt) Ltd to keep its “hands off Hwange” following the company’s recent application to the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to prospect for coal in Hwange’s Sinamatella area.
By Ryan Chigoche
The application has sparked fierce backlash, particularly from conservationists and environmental authorities. The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has publicly called on the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to reject the proposal, citing serious ecological concerns.
According to ZimParks, the proposed mining project targets the Sinamatella Black Rhino Intensive Protection Zone, a critical habitat for the endangered black rhino. Any mining activity in this area, they warned, would pose a severe threat to the species and disrupt the delicate ecosystem of Hwange National Park.
The issue reached Parliament, where Speaker Jacob Mudenda took a firm stance. Speaking at a recent meeting of Parliament’s Tourism Portfolio Committee, Mudenda made it clear that mining in Hwange National Park is not an option.
“I will not subscribe to mining in national parks. The place that has been identified in national parks for mining purposes is not the only place where you can find coal. We have coal in the southern parts of Binga and in the southeast of Binga—still virgin land. There is plenty of coal, so why disturb the ecology of the animals in national parks?” Mudenda said.
Hwange National Park is not just a wildlife sanctuary; it is also a vital pillar of Zimbabwe’s tourism industry. The park generates significant revenue and provides employment for over 25,000 people. Allowing mining in Sinamatella would likely deter tourists, dealing a blow to local businesses and communities that rely on sustainable tourism.
Beyond tourism, the environmental consequences of mining in a national park could be devastating. Increased air, noise, and water pollution would disrupt wildlife movement, while human activity in protected areas could escalate poaching threats.
Hwange National Park is home to Africa’s second-largest elephant herd and safeguards other critical wildlife species. Conservationists argue that preserving this biodiversity should take precedence over short-term economic gains from coal mining.
Concerns about Chinese mining activities in Zimbabwe extend beyond Hwange. In recent years, Chinese companies have repeatedly come under fire for disregarding environmental regulations and neglecting community welfare. Some of their mining operations have been outright illegal, further fueling public resentment.
As opposition to mining in Hwange grows, all eyes are now on the government to see whether it will uphold conservation priorities or bow to corporate interests.
SG 90% and ABOVE US$88.62g
SG ABOVE 89% BUT BELOW 90% US$87.68g
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$86.74/g
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$85.80/g
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$84.40/g
Fire Assay CASH $89.09/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
The Association of Mine Surveyors of Zimbabwe (AMSZ) has announced that it will conduct a technical visit to Kuvimba Mining House’s Shamva Gold Mine on Friday, March 28, 2025, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
This visit presents a valuable opportunity for AMSZ members and other participants to gain firsthand insights into the operations of one of Zimbabwe’s leading gold mining companies. It will also facilitate technical engagements and knowledge-sharing among industry professionals.
AMSZ remains committed to promoting excellence in mine surveying practices across Zimbabwe. The technical visit aims to enhance participants’ understanding of the methodologies and technologies employed at Shamva Gold Mine, which are essential for optimizing productivity and ensuring efficient mine operations.
During the visit, participants will explore key aspects of Shamva Mine’s operations, including:
Mine Surveying Methodologies and Technologies: A focus on modern surveying techniques and their role in maximizing mining efficiency.
Data Management and Analysis Systems: Insights into how data is collected, managed, and utilized to improve decision-making and mine planning.
Safety Protocols and Procedures: A comprehensive review of safety standards and best practices ensuring worker protection and operational safety.
Training and Development Programs for Mine Surveyors: An overview of Shamva Mine’s initiatives for skill development and continuous training.
AMSZ has emphasized that learning from industry leaders like Shamva Gold Mine is crucial for its members’ ongoing professional development. The visit will provide participants with valuable technical insights and best practices applicable across the mining sector.
Participants are required to confirm their attendance by registering no later than Monday, March 24, 2025, to facilitate necessary arrangements. AMSZ looks forward to hosting this visit and offering its members an informative and engaging experience at Shamva Gold Mine.
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.
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