Mining ZimbabweLatest Mining News, Policy and Industry Updates

Shamva Gold Mine requires a total of US$150 million to develop into a world-class resource and establish the necessary infrastructure for gold processing, according to Kuvimba Mining House (KMH) Group CEO Trevor Barnard.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Kuvimba is investing heavily in exploration at Shamva Mine, though currently, ore from the mine is processed at Freda Rebecca Gold Mine.

Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe, Barnard emphasized the significance of Shamva Gold Mine as a resource Kuvimba aims to fully develop before seeking additional investors.

“Shamva Mine is already operational underground, but we recognize its potential as a significant resource that needs further development. We are looking at a substantial capital investment of up to US$150 million to build the necessary infrastructure, including a processing plant, to start producing our own gold there,” Barnard stated.

In January last year, Shamva Gold Mine announced plans to develop a US$140 million open-pit mining operation at Shamva Hill, targeting the production of 200,000 tonnes of ore per month over the next 16 years.

Currently, the mine produces 45,000 tonnes of ore per month from its underground operations, a level last achieved in 1910. Operations at the Shamva Hill Open Pit project are expected to commence in two years.

Shamva Gold Mine operates as a conventional mine, utilizing 10-tonne locomotives capable of transporting up to 30 tonnes in a single draw, along with other earthmoving equipment.

Since 2020, the mine has produced an average of 520,000 tonnes of ore annually, mined at a grade of 1.70g per tonne.

Mutapa Investment Fund owned Kuvimba Mining House (KMH) has implemented mineral accountability and transparency software at its gold processing units.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

This initiative aims to ensure that the gold produced aligns with international standards on responsible sourcing and mining guidelines.

KMH’s gold cluster has partnered with Comstack to enhance accountability, transparency, and responsible mining in its operations. This partnership will be implemented across the gold cluster and extended to other clusters in the future.

KMH ranks among the top five in Africa for the installation and operationalisation of this system. It aims to comply with EU guidelines and the OECD’s five-step framework, emphasizing transparency and due diligence in maintaining a clean and accountable supply chain.

KMH Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Trevor Barnard articulated the company’s vision to mainstream accountability and transparency through traceability systems. He highlighted the step-by-step process undertaken to streamline these systems, ensuring old systems are updated and skilled personnel effectively monitor and manage them.

The partnership with Comstack, a UK-based company, is crucial for ensuring transparent gold marketing systems. This collaboration between local and international institutions underscores KMH’s commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability in their gold operations.

Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe, Barnard said, “Our business model involves taking mining investments and operationalizing mines across various mineral groups. Some mines are not operational, while others are new resources that have been recently uncovered. We ensure these mines can run sustainably and long-term, creating wealth and better livelihoods for Zimbabweans.

“Our operating model is divided into four clusters: gold, bulk commodities, platinum group minerals, and energy minerals. Today, you will visit one of our gold mines, Freda Rebecca, to look at the traceability of our product. We also have chrome assets and iron assets, a large platinum asset, and a significant lithium resource at the Sandawana Lithium Mine.

“In the gold cluster, we are the largest gold producer in Zimbabwe, producing over 300 kilograms of gold monthly. Freda Rebecca is our primary mine, with other operations at Shamva Gold Mine and Jena Mine. Additionally, we have assets like Elvington and Homestake contributing to our gold sector.

“In bulk commodities, we have chrome assets through Zimbabwe Alloys. We’re processing chrome concentrate and enhancing further beneficiation. In the platinum group minerals cluster, we have the Great Dyke Investment, a significant resource we’re working to develop. Lastly, in energy minerals, our lithium assets at Sandawana are among the top hard rock lithium resources globally. We’re negotiating partnerships to develop a processing plant to produce and export lithium concentrate and take further beneficiation steps.

“Our traceability system, developed by Comstack, ensures our gold production is traceable from mine to market, ensuring confidence in our legitimacy. This system provides regulatory compliance, transparency, quality control, sustainability, and ethical sourcing, ensuring we operate in a sustainable and efficient manner. It gives us a competitive advantage and market access, vital for our business.”

The government of Zimbabwe has relaxed its deadline for lithium producers to submit beneficiation plans as only three companies have so far submitted their plans.

By Ryan Chigoche

The initial deadline for the submission of the beneficiation plan was March 31 this year. Still, the government had to extend it as the miners requested more time from the Ministry of Mines to consult their head offices, which are outside the country. They also stated that they needed more time to come up with annual budgets that incorporate beneficiation.

Before the beneficiation directive, lithium miners were producing lithium concentrate, but the government seeks to tap into substantial mineral revenue that can be earned from the production of battery-grade lithium, tapping into growing demand for the clean energy mineral.

Currently, the value chain is lithium ores, and the government has banned the export of lithium ores as the country now has sufficient concentration capacity where lithium ores can be concentrated to export lithium concentrate.

Speaking on the sidelines of an event in the capital today, Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando said they have now called all lithium producers for the amendment of the lithium sulfate facilities in the country, which will see the ban on exporting lithium concentrate.

“The lithium value chain starts with ores. Then, after that, you go into concentrate. After that, you go into lithium sulfate. Or lithium hydroxide, whichever way. And there is the next level where you are now ready to go into battery making or the manufacturing of certain consumables.”

“Now, the government has called on all the lithium companies to say, we want an amendment for the establishment of lithium sulfate facilities. Now, instead of sending the concentrate outside, we will now be upgrading them to lithium sulfate as a minimum investment. That will take time. While that is happening, the concentrates are being shipped,” Chitando said.