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Caledonia launches IT Modernisation at Blanket Mine to Boost Efficiency, Safety

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Caledonia launches IT Modernisation at Blanket Mine to Boost Efficiency, Safety

Zimbabwe gold-focused mining and exploration company Caledonia Mining Corporation has launched a strategic IT modernisation initiative at its flagship Blanket Mine, aimed at creating a data-driven smart mine. The move is expected to enhance operational efficiency, worker safety, and overall productivity while ensuring a more sustainable operation. Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking on the modernisation strategy, Caledonia said the strategy includes the implementation of new technologies aimed at automating processes and enabling real-time data collection, which is crucial for informed decision-making. By leveraging these advancements, Caledonia is positioning Blanket Mine to operate with greater efficiency while ensuring enhanced safety for its workforce.

“The IT modernisation at Blanket Mine involves upgrading and integrating new technologies to improve operating efficiency, ensure employee safety, and boost productivity. This process is aligned with our strategic goals of building a data-driven mine and maintaining sustainable production levels,” the gold miner said.

One key component of the modernisation is the implementation of automated processes within operations. By leveraging real-time data collection, Blanket Mine will improve decision-making and operational performance. Caledonia emphasized that the introduction of cutting-edge technologies would enable the mine to maximise value for shareholders while supporting a sustainable business model.

“We aim to maximise value for our shareholders by increasing efficiency across our operations while reducing costs and environmental impact,” the company stated.

A significant upgrade to Blanket Mine’s infrastructure includes the introduction of biometric access controls. This system requires employees to scan in at the main gate and undergo breathalyser tests upon entry, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. Moreover, workers with overdue training or certifications will be notified during clock-in and will not be granted access to the mine until they complete the required training.

In addition, Blanket Mine will install underground clocking points at all shaft entrances and various checkpoints, which will allow management to track the location of employees in real-time. This system will enhance safety by ensuring all workers are accounted for at any given time.

To further improve safety and operational efficiency, Caledonia will deploy advanced surveying tools such as underground scanners and LiDAR technology, which will be used to map underground and surface areas. The data collected from these tools will be transferred to a point cloud system, enabling accurate 3D geological models. The company also plans to use drones to monitor tailings facilities continuously.

“With the introduction of these technologies, we are enhancing our ability to manage geological models, ensuring better accuracy and efficiency in our mining processes,” Caledonia added.

In terms of workforce development, Caledonia is prioritising the upskilling of employees. A new IT training room has been built at Blanket Mine, and a learning management system will be used to deliver flexible, online training to employees. This initiative ensures that workers can balance their job responsibilities with continuous learning and skill enhancement.

Caledonia highlighted the importance of building a platform for consolidated reporting, which will provide real-time dashboards for monitoring and decision-making.

“The modernisation of technologies and processes within Blanket Mine will contribute to our long-term goals of maintaining production at around 75,000 to 80,000 ounces and becoming a multi-asset gold producer in Zimbabwe,” the company said.

With this IT modernisation initiative, Caledonia Mining Corporation is demonstrating its commitment to boosting operational efficiency, improving safety, and ensuring a sustainable future for Blanket Mine. By adopting these innovative technologies, the company is setting the stage for continued growth and success.

Invictus’ Conservation Efforts Save Zimbabwe’s Wildlife and Forests

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Invictus’ Conservation Efforts Save Zimbabwe’s Wildlife and Forests

 

While Invictus Energy is making strides toward becoming a major energy producer in Sub-Saharan Africa, the company is demonstrating that its commitment extends beyond energy exploration. With its Cabora Bassa in Muzarabani showing significant gas-condensate potential, Invictus is setting the standard for responsible environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices in the country, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

A core element of Invictus’ strategy is ensuring that its work does not come at the expense of Zimbabwe’s rich biodiversity and local communities. Through its proactive conservation and sustainability initiatives, the company has made substantial contributions to protecting wildlife, reducing deforestation, and supporting local communities, all while advancing its energy production goals.

In 2022, Invictus entered a 30-year partnership with the Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe (FCZ) to protect 300,000 hectares of indigenous forests near Hwange National Park under the NGS REDD+ project. This collaboration focuses on vital conservation efforts, including anti-poaching initiatives, fire prevention strategies, and reforestation programs, all aimed at preserving Zimbabwe’s natural heritage.

One of the most significant threats to these protected forests has been wildfires, which have devastated the region for over a decade. According to Invictus Field Operations Supervisor Garth Pritchard, the wildfires, exacerbated by ongoing drought, posed a grave risk to wildlife and the ecosystem.

“There have been constant fires every year over the last decade, and it’s devastated the forests. Local authorities didn’t have the resources to respond to those fires adequately, so they just burned out of control. We realised if we didn’t do anything, it was going to be a disaster,” said Pritchard.

To tackle this issue, Invictus, in partnership with the FCZ, embarked on an extensive fire prevention campaign, clearing roads and establishing fire breaks—referred to as fire guards in Zimbabwe—across the region. These measures proved instrumental in preventing wildfires in 2024, marking the first time in six years that the area remained fire-free.

“These forests are home to iconic African animals, such as elephants, lions, and buffalo,” Pritchard added. “Due to the fire guards and road-clearing efforts, thousands of animals were saved, and wildlife could move freely between parks and forests with better access to food and water.”

The positive impact of these initiatives extends beyond conservation. Businesses in the region have also benefited from Invictus’ efforts. Mark Butcher, Managing Director of Imvelo Safari Lodges in Hwange, praised the company’s role in preventing wildfires, emphasizing that without their intervention, thousands of animals, including elephants, would have been lost.

“We dodged a bullet in southern Hwange this year – the work Invictus did last year was instrumental in ensuring that the forests didn’t burn down again, which saved thousands of elephants,” Butcher said.

In addition to fire prevention, Invictus has tackled another pressing issue: wood poaching. Poachers target valuable trees in protected forests, contributing to deforestation and habitat destruction. Invictus’ road-clearing programs have inadvertently helped in combating poaching activities by enabling authorities to intercept illegal loggers.

“Burning these fire guards allows us to intercept these poachers and protect the forests,” Pritchard explained.

Community engagement is another cornerstone of Invictus’ conservation efforts. The company actively involves local communities in its sustainability projects, holding numerous information sessions to raise awareness about conservation and offer alternatives to the use of forest resources for firewood and grazing.

“We focus on three pillars – educate, empower, and protect – to educate the community and school students, empower communities to help, and then encourage them to continue protecting the forests,” said Invictus Country Manager Barry Meikle.

One of the long-term goals of the NGS REDD+ program is to generate measurable environmental benefits, including carbon emission reduction credits. While the development of carbon credits is a future opportunity, Meikle highlighted that Invictus is also exploring the emerging field of biodiversity credits to further enhance conservation efforts.

“Although the biodiversity credits industry is still in its infancy, I would like to see us focused on developing these credits,” Meikle said, stressing the importance of protecting ecosystems as part of the company’s long-term vision.

Looking ahead, Invictus plans to expand its sustainability initiatives by introducing projects such as community nutritional gardens, rotational grazing systems, and a recycling program aimed at addressing Zimbabwe’s plastic waste problem.

“We are trying to encourage recycling – we have a real problem with waste in Zimbabwe. We would love to clear all the roads of plastic bottles,” Meikle said.

Through its robust ESG programs, Invictus Energy has demonstrated that sustainable energy development can go hand in hand with environmental conservation. By prioritizing initiatives like anti-poaching, fire prevention, and reforestation, the company is setting a benchmark for responsible business practices in Zimbabwe’s energy sector, ensuring that both nature and the economy thrive together.

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Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe 26 February 2025

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Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe 26 February 2025

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

SG 90% and ABOVE US$89.11g
SG ABOVE 85% BUT BELOW 90% US$88.17g
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$87.23/g
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$86.29/g
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$84.87/g

Fire Assay CASH $89.59/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

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe 25 February 2025

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Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe 25 February 2025

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe today 25 February 2025, from the official gold buyer and exporter Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR).

SG 90% and ABOVE US$89.07g
SG ABOVE 85% BUT BELOW 90% US$88.13g
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$87.19/g
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$86.25/g
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$84.83/g

Fire Assay CASH $89.54/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

Invictus Energy Faces Investor Skepticism as PPSA Delays Continue to Hinder Progress

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Invictus Energy Faces Investor Skepticism as PPSA Delays Continue to Hinder Progress
Australia Stock Exchange listed oil and gas exploration junior Invictus Energy which is exploring oil and gas in northern Zimbabwe’s Cabora Bassa Basin (Muzarabani-Mbire) is poised for a potentially transformative 2025, according to Managing Director Scott Macmillan. However, investors and stakeholders are growing increasingly skeptical about the company’s progress as delays in executing the Petroleum Product Sharing Agreement (PPSA) between Invictus and the Zimbabwean government persist, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
In his latest outlook for 2025, Macmillan outlined ambitious plans, including the advancement of the Mukuyu gas-to-power project, further exploration drilling, and a board visit to progress key initiatives. Yet, these updates have been met with frustration from stakeholders who are impatient for the finalization of the PPSA, which is seen as the cornerstone for ensuring the equitable sharing of value generated from the Cabora Bassa Project.
While Invictus Energy achieved significant exploration success in 2023, including two major gas discoveries at the Mukuyu field, the continued delay in finalizing the PPSA has cast a shadow over these milestones. The agreement, once executed, will not only secure long-term revenue-sharing terms for the Zimbabwean government but also unlock the regulatory framework needed to advance the country’s nascent oil and gas sector.
One stakeholder vented their frustration, commenting, “Blah, blah, blah – heard it all before. It is all about the PPSA. Nothing else matters right now.” Another echoed similar sentiments, “WHERE IS THE PPSA???? ALL TALK NO ACTION.”
The lack of tangible progress on the PPSA has sparked concerns about investor returns. One shareholder expressed their frustration, stating, “That outlook doesn’t include a return for investors!” The mounting skepticism highlights the increasing pressure on Invictus to deliver results beyond exploration success.
In response to the growing frustration, Macmillan has reassured stakeholders that the company is on the verge of finalizing the PPSA, calling the completed review by external European legal counsel a “major milestone” for Invictus. He emphasized that the PPSA would provide the robust governing framework necessary to ensure the long-term success of the Cabora Bassa Project.
“Once executed, the PPSA will ensure the long-term success of the Cabora Bassa Project, which has the potential to address the region’s growing demand for a reliable energy source,” Macmillan said.
The agreement, which will be key in attracting strategic partnerships and farm-out opportunities, is expected to be a game-changer for Zimbabwe’s energy security.
Looking ahead, Invictus Energy has a busy year planned, with Macmillan outlining several key initiatives, including the Masuma 1 well as the company’s next major exploration effort. This well will target the Dande play in eastern Cabora Bassa, which is estimated to have a recoverable prospective resource of over 1 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas and 73 million barrels of condensate.
In tandem with exploration activities, the company is pushing forward with its pilot gas-to-power project to provide energy to the nearby Eureka Gold Mine. This project is critical for Invictus, as it offers an opportunity to demonstrate the commercial viability of Zimbabwe’s fledgling gas industry.
Despite the ambitious plans, the unresolved PPSA remains a sticking point, and stakeholders are growing weary of the delays. Macmillan has promised to keep investors updated as the company continues to push for the execution of the PPSA and other key milestones in 2025.
While there is optimism about Invictus Energy’s long-term potential, many stakeholders remain focused on immediate concerns. As one shareholder bluntly put it, “Looking a bit tired of talking.” The general sentiment among investors suggests that action, particularly on the PPSA, is needed sooner rather than later to maintain confidence in the company’s trajectory.
The Cabora Bassa Project holds significant promise, with Invictus positioning itself as a major player in Zimbabwe’s energy landscape. However, the road to success will require navigating regulatory hurdles, securing strategic partnerships, and, most importantly, delivering on investor expectations.
As 2025 is ongoing, all eyes remain on whether Invictus can turn its exploration success into tangible commercial progress, starting with the long-awaited PPSA.

Zimplats Enhances Human Rights Practices Through MoU with Zimbabwe Republic Police

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Zimplats Enhances Human Rights Practices Through MoU with Zimbabwe Republic Police
Zimplats, Zimbabwe’s leading platinum group metals producer, has taken a significant step in strengthening its human rights practices by establishing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
By Ryan Chigoche
This agreement outlines the expected conduct for public security personnel interacting with Zimplats’ operations and surrounding communities, aiming to bridge the existing gap in human rights practices between the police and mining operations, ensuring respectful and lawful interactions.
This development  follows a comprehensive gap analysis commissioned by Implats, Zimplats’ parent company, to align security practices across all Group-managed sites with the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHRs).
The analysis focused on all Group-managed sites in the Southern Africa region, including Zimplats with the aim to identify the VPSHR-relevant management systems, processes, and practices of site-level private and public security providers, and to better understand site-level security risk exposure.
According to the company high-level outcomes from the gap analysis so far indicates that site-level private security providers’ practices are strongly aligned with the VPSHRs.
However, the alignment to the VPSHRs by public security forces, including the South African Police Service and the Zimbabwe Republic Police Services, is relatively weak. As a result the problem is investigating potential opportunities to share materials and training on VPSHRs with public security personnel.
These efforts are expected to positively impact Zimplats’ operations and its relationship with local communities. By fostering a culture of respect and accountability, Zimplats aims to mitigate potential human rights incidents and enhance its reputation as a responsible corporate entity.
As a going concern Zimplats in its committment to continuous improvement in its human rights practices the company plans to conduct an analysis of its human rights initiatives, with findings scheduled for completion in 2025.
This analysis will inform future strategies to further integrate human rights considerations into its operations.

Manhize Steel Plant Faces Environmental Backlash Over Coal Power Dependence

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Manhize Steel Plant Faces Environmental Backlash Over Coal Power Dependence
Zimbabwe’s ambitious Manhize Iron and Steel Plant in Mvuma, owned by China’s Dinson Iron and Steel Company, is drawing scrutiny for its environmental impact. While the $1.5 billion project, which aims to produce 1.2 million tonnes of steel annually, promises to boost industrial growth and steel exports, a recent report by South African Resource Watch warns that its heavy reliance on coal-generated power will significantly increase the country’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
By Ryan Chigoche
Steel production is an energy-intensive process, and Manhize’s furnaces will mainly depend on Hwange’s coal-generated electricity and coke to remove oxygen from iron ore.
This approach will substantially increase carbon emissions, missing an opportunity for Zimbabwe to produce ‘green steel’ using clean energy sources. Given Zimbabwe’s vast potential for renewable energy, particularly solar power, the report urges the government to incentivize investors to adopt renewable energy in steel production adding that doing so would align with the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) commitments to cut emissions by 40% by 2040.
“This is a missed opportunity for Zimbabwe to produce ‘green steel’ produced using clean energy, significantly reducing GHG emissions and mitigating environmental impact and global warming. Given the abundance of solar potential in Zimbabwe, the use of renewable energy is a possibility that the country must incentivise investors to adopt if it is to meet its NDC commitments to cut emissions by 40 per cent by 2040.”  the organization said.
International examples offer valuable insights for Zimbabwe. Sweden’s Hydrogen Breakthrough Ironmaking Technology (HYBRIT) project a collaboration between SSAB, LKAB, and Vattenfall aims to produce steel using hydrogen and renewable electricity. Similarly, H2 Green Steel, another Swedish initiative, plans to launch a large-scale, fossil-free steel plant in 2024. ArcelorMittal’s Smart Carbon and Innovative DRI projects also employ hydrogen-based reduction and carbon capture technologies to lower emissions. These approaches demonstrate how transitioning to green steel is both feasible and economically viable.
The report also highlights the potential for Zimbabwe to collaborate regionally. While hydrogen is not currently a key focus in Zimbabwe’s industrial strategy, neighboring countries such as Namibia and South Africa are developing export-oriented green hydrogen economies.
According to SARW Zimbabwe could integrate into this regional renewable energy supply chain through SADC cooperation and intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), positioning itself as a sustainable steel producer.

Unlike South Africa, which has incorporated Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) in its Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2023 to mitigate coal reliance, Zimbabwe has yet to explore this technology.

 In the steel sector, CCUS captures CO2 emissions before they enter the atmosphere, storing them underground or repurposing them for industrial use. Incorporating such technologies could support Zimbabwe’s transition toward greener steel production while maintaining economic viability.

As a going concern, the report underscores that decarbonizing Zimbabwe’s steel industry presents both a challenge and an opportunity. While the Manhize Iron and Steel Plant is a major industrial project, its reliance on coal-based energy contradicts global sustainability trends.

By embracing renewable energy and adopting green hydrogen and CCUS technologies, Zimbabwe could align itself with global sustainability efforts and secure new market opportunities for green steel.

Kavango Sees Major Growth Potential for Hillside Gold Project with Modern Exploratio

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Kavango Sees Major Growth Potential for Hillside Gold Project with Modern Exploratio
London Stock Exchange-listed mining and exploration junior Kavango Resources is on the verge of transforming the Hillside Gold Project in Filabusi, as the company embarks on a series of modern exploration initiatives to unlock the site’s full potential, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking in a recent interview, CEO Ben Turney highlighted the project’s promising outlook, with significant improvements planned for 2025 and beyond.
Turney emphasized that Hillside, a 440-hectare block, encapsulates the vast opportunities that exist in Zimbabwe for modern exploration, particularly in the small-scale mining sector. The site, which has largely relied on outdated technology, offers Kavango a unique opportunity to apply international standards and introduce state-of-the-art mining practices to maximize gold production.
At present, Hillside produces around 1.5 kilograms of gold per month, generating over $100,000 in revenue. This production level is the result of small-scale operations that use 130-year-old stamp mills, a common sight in Zimbabwe’s artisanal mining sector. Despite these limitations, the company has made significant progress since beginning operations in March 2024.
Turney noted that even with these basic operations, Kavango has quickly demonstrated what is possible in Zimbabwe. With minimal capital expenditure, the company is already preparing to boost production further.
“Our immediate target is to increase production to between 3 to 5 kilograms per month by the first quarter of next year,” Turney said. “This will be achieved by operationalizing the 5-stamp mill, improving underground safety, and conducting proper underground development.”
Kavango’s vision for Hillside goes far beyond short-term gains. The company plans to install a 100-tonne-per-day processing plant sourced from South Africa by the end of Q2 2025. This modern facility will vastly improve the efficiency and scale of operations, with projections showing a potential monthly output of between 12 to 15 kilograms of gold once the plant is operational.
Turney explained that upgrading the plant, coupled with the development of underground mining capabilities, could cost the company around $2.5 million in total. This investment, which includes underground development and plant construction, will enable the company to triple its production by mid-2025.
“We expect to hit a major inflection point at this stage,” Turney added. “By that point, we’ll become profitable at the PLC level, covering all our costs in Zimbabwe and Botswana, and generating surplus revenue.”
Hillside serves as a key strategic asset for Kavango Resources, demonstrating the company’s ability to apply modern exploration techniques to small-scale projects and capitalize on Zimbabwe’s rich mineral resources. Turney highlighted the broader significance of this project, noting that the success at Hillside could be a model for future gold production projects across the country.
“Our work at Hillside encapsulates what’s possible in modern Zimbabwe,” Turney said. “We have the infrastructure, the workforce, and the opportunity to introduce international mining practices that will unlock large-scale gold production in a capital-constrained environment.”
With modern exploration, increased production capacity, and further capital investment, Kavango is well-positioned to transform Hillside into a leading gold production site in Zimbabwe, laying the foundation for long-term profitability and growth.
As Kavango continues to execute its ambitious plans for Hillside, the company’s ability to scale operations, modernize infrastructure, and achieve profitability will set it apart from other exploration companies in Zimbabwe and the wider region. By harnessing the site’s untapped potential, Kavango aims to bring Hillside to the forefront of Zimbabwe’s gold production industry by 2025.

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe 24 February 2025

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Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe 24 February 2025

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe today 24 February 2025, from the official gold buyer and exporter Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR).

SG 90% and ABOVE US$89.14g
SG ABOVE 89% BUT BELOW 90% US$88.20g
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$87.25/g
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$86.31/g
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$84.90/g

Fire Assay CASH $89.61/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

Mine Employees Face Armed Robbery Charges

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Mine Employees Face Armed Robbery Charges
Two employees of Thunderbird 42 Mine, owned by former Gweru councillor Charles Simbi, have appeared before the Gweru Magistrate Courts on armed robbery charges. Nyasha Osward Simbi, 27, and Alex Simbi, 42, both relatives of Charles Simbi, are among seven accused of carrying out an armed robbery at MT Mine in Gweru on February 8, 2025, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Nyasha and Alex Simbi, both from Gweru, were allegedly part of a gang that stormed MT Mine at around 3 AM, armed with a pistol, machetes, and knobkerries, demanding cash and gold. The other accused are Kimton Sibanda, 25, Samu Sibanda, 24, Takudzwa Nyoni, 33, Hercluse Nhongo, 29, and Bright Ndlovu, 43, who are from various locations across Gweru, Lower Gwelo, Bulawayo, and Zhombe.
The seven were arrested a day later on February 9, 2025, and now face two counts of armed robbery and one count of assault. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the group threatened two workers at MT Mine, Shepherd Kutse and Norman Mahlani, with a pistol and knobkerries before assaulting them with machetes. During the attack, the suspects allegedly stole a Samsung A33 from Kutse and a Samsung S23 from Mahlani.
In a separate incident, the gang is also accused of assaulting Stephen Ndlovu with machetes and knobkerries, demanding cash and gold. Although Ndlovu managed to escape, he sustained a deep cut on his left leg during the attack.
Witnesses and victims identified the suspects, leading to their arrest. The accused were remanded in custody until February 25, 2025, and are being represented by lawyer Esau Mandipa of Mandipa, Makwara, and Chikukwa Legal Practitioners.
In addition to this case, Charles Simbi, the owner of Thunderbird 42 Mine and father of one of the accused, is facing separate fraud charges related to the alleged forgery of land ownership documents with his wife, Zodwa Thembinkosi, to seize mining claims near Gweru.
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