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Ten Reasons Why Zimbabwe Should Ban Foreign Mining in the ASM Sector

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Ten Reasons Why Zimbabwe Should Ban Foreign Mining in the ASM Sector

Local players in the mining small-scale mining sector have been advocating for the government to scrutinize the nature of investments that foreigners intend to make in the mining sector, emphasizing that the Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) sector should be reserved for local people.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The issue of foreign involvement in Zimbabwe’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector has become increasingly contentious, with the story we ran about banning of all foreigners in the small-scale gold mining getting a staggering 30,000 views on debut.

Zimbabweans concurred with calls getting louder. This sector, a vital part of the country’s economy, is primarily intended to benefit local communities and citizens. However, the participation of foreign nationals in this sector has raised significant concerns.

Here are ten reasons why foreign nationals should not be permitted in Zimbabwe’s ASM sector in the new Mines and Minerals Act.

  1. Preservation of National Sovereignty

Allowing foreign nationals to participate in ASM threatens Zimbabwe’s sovereignty over its natural resources. ASM is a sector meant to empower local communities, and when foreign nationals take control, it compromises the nation’s ability to manage and benefit from its resources.

According to Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) Mashonaland West Province Chairman Timothy Chizuzu, foreigners should not be allowed anywhere near small-scale mining. Instead, they should focus on exploration and ensure that their mining operations are world-class, allowing junior mining professionals to gain valuable experience from the activities taking place.

“I strongly believe that small-scale mining should be reserved for citizens of this country, not foreigners. While it’s more acceptable to witness our own citizens mining and perhaps struggling with land management, it is deeply concerning to see foreign entities mining irresponsibly, degrading our land, and leaving behind unrehabilitated pits that could cause lasting harm. Often, these foreign operators disappear, leaving us with the consequences,” Chizuzu said.

  1. Economic Displacement of Local Miners

Foreign nationals often have more resources and capital compared to local small-scale miners. Their involvement in ASM can lead to economic displacement, where local miners are pushed out of business due to the competitive advantage held by foreign entities.

“Chinese nationals, because they have money, always come and ensure that artisanal miners benefiting from the country’s free laws are displaced from their areas. It is something that is worrying. We have seen miners losing their areas of operations to foreign miners who can bribe their way in; we don’t want them near the artisanal mining industry,” Wayne Mudamburi, the President of the Association of Junior Mining Professionals of Zimbabwe (AJMPZ), said to Mining Zimbabwe.

  1. Environmental Degradation and Lack of Accountability

Foreign nationals involved in ASM may not have the same commitment to environmental stewardship as local miners. Their operations can lead to significant environmental degradation, with little accountability for rehabilitation efforts. Local miners, on the other hand, have a vested interest in preserving the environment for future generations.

“It is deeply concerning to see foreign entities mining irresponsibly, degrading our land, and leaving behind unrehabilitated pits that could cause lasting harm. Often, these foreign operators disappear, leaving us with the consequences,” Chizuzu said.

  1. Exploitation of Loopholes in the Regulatory Framework

Foreign nationals may exploit loopholes in Zimbabwe’s regulatory framework, engaging in practices that undermine the integrity of the ASM sector. This includes operating without proper licenses, under-reporting production, and evading taxes, which ultimately rob the country of valuable revenue.

“Foreigners should be responsible investors, beginning with exploration. This not only involves employing geologists and surveyors, thus increasing their experience but also contributes to our economy as they stay in our hotels and spend money locally. When they move to the mining stage, it should be done in a proper, world-class manner. This approach will create jobs for our people, including professional roles such as mining engineers, geologists, environmental scientists, and other experts, rather than the haphazard operations often seen in small-scale mining, where everything is guesswork,” Chizuzu said.

  1. Undermining of Local Expertise and Skills Development

The involvement of foreign nationals in ASM can stifle the development of local expertise and skills. When foreign investors dominate the sector, they usually import their own workforce, depriving some Zimbabwean citizens of employment opportunities and the chance to develop their skills in mining.

“Foreign nationals are bringing a skilled workforce that we already have here in Zimbabwe. AJMPZ has a lot of skilled, unemployed personnel, but the Chinese are bringing their own. We need to stop that—first by banning them from investing in ASM and then by creating legislation that ensures local professionals are employed ahead of foreigners. We are actually creating employment for foreigners in this country, while our own are being despised in countries like South Africa,” Hazel Karoro, AJMPZ Secretary General, said.

  1. Threat to Social Cohesion and Cultural Heritage

ASM is deeply intertwined with the social and cultural fabric of many Zimbabwean communities. The influx of foreign nationals into the sector can disrupt social cohesion and erode cultural heritage. Local communities may feel alienated and marginalized when they see outsiders exploiting their resources.

“Allowing foreign entities to dominate this space not only risks environmental degradation and community displacement but also undermines the potential for local empowerment, employment creation, and poverty alleviation,” Young Miners Federation (YMF) CEO Payne Farai Kupfuwa said.

  1. Increase in Conflicts and Tensions

The presence of foreign nationals in ASM can lead to conflicts and tensions between local communities and foreign miners. Disputes over land, resources, and environmental impact can escalate into violence, threatening the peace and stability of mining areas. Several Media reports highlight Chiefs (traditional leader) clashing with Chinese miners something unheard of with natives. A traditional leader is responsible for performing the cultural, customary and traditional functions of a Chief, headperson or village head, as the case may be, for his or her community.

“Investment is certainly welcome, but we do not want disputes with small-scale miners over a 10-hectare area when larger investments are possible. Investors should focus on areas that are not conflicted. We’ve also proposed that specific regions be demarcated for small-scale miners, so when large mining operations are planned, they won’t interfere with or take over land in those areas,” Wellington Takavarasha, CEO of ZMF, said.

  1. Loss of Economic Benefits to the Local Economy

When foreign nationals engage in ASM, the profits they generate are often repatriated to their home countries, resulting in a loss of economic benefits for Zimbabwe. Local miners, however, are more likely to reinvest their earnings in the local economy, creating jobs and stimulating growth.

“Foreigners in the ASM are also involved in the smuggling of our resources. Recently, Chinese nationals were caught in Zambia smuggling our gold. It should not happen. We want our miners to send their gold to Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR),” Dru Edmund Kucherera, Spokesperson and Vice Chairman of Miners for Economic Development, said.

  1. Erosion of National Identity and Pride

ASM is a symbol of Zimbabwe’s resilience and resourcefulness. Allowing foreign nationals to dominate the sector can erode national identity and pride, as the country loses control over a critical part of its heritage. It is crucial to preserve ASM as a domain for Zimbabweans to showcase their skills and determination.

“Going forward, as a country, and in light of the future of mining, we need to evaluate our so-called investors who are coming in to replicate ASM operations, including those from our all-weather friends from China, as well as from India, Pakistan, and other nations.

“Our minerals are depletable, so we must reflect as we progress. As it stands, our indigenous artisanal and small-scale miners are performing much better, albeit with significant challenges, compared to those who are well-advanced in areas such as technology, machinery, and access to capital,” Mudamburi said.

  1. Promotion of Responsible Investment

Finally, banning foreign nationals from ASM would encourage responsible investment in Zimbabwe’s mining sector. Foreign investors should focus on larger-scale projects that require significant capital and expertise. By doing so, they can contribute to the country’s development while leaving ASM to local miners who are better positioned to manage it responsibly.

“We need investors who will bring growth to our country, our communities, and our people through knowledge transfer. But what’s happening on the ground is problematic. Locals employed by these foreign investors are subjected to the same mining methods used by our locals, with no new or innovative techniques being introduced,” Kupfuwa said.

In conclusion, while foreign investment is crucial for Zimbabwe’s economic growth, it should be directed towards sectors where it can bring the most benefit. Artisanal and small-scale mining should remain the preserve of Zimbabwean citizens, ensuring that the sector serves its intended purpose of empowering local communities and fostering sustainable development.

Zimbabwe’s Mining Sector owes ZESA US$45.6 million

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Zimbabwe’s Mining Sector owes ZESA US$45.6 million

The mining sector, Zimbabwe’s largest consumer of energy, currently owes the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) a staggering Z$684.8 million (US$45.6 million).

By Ryan Chigoche

This amount represents 12% of ZESA’s total debtors’ book, placing a significant financial strain on the utility. The substantial debt has hindered ZESA’s ability to invest in critical infrastructure and manage its operational costs effectively.

The mining sector’s debt positions it as the second-largest debtor to ZESA, following the industrial sector, which comprises 50% of ZESA’s total debt, amounting to Z$5 billion. In total, ZESA Holdings is dealing with consumer debts exceeding Z$5.7 billion. These financial challenges are being compounded by limited electricity generation, due to low water levels at the Kariba Dam—a key source for the 1,050 MW Kariba Hydropower Station—and outdated equipment at the Hwange Thermal Power Station.

According to ZESA, these funds are critical for them to meet their essential obligations, including loan repayments, water bills, coal purchases, and infrastructure maintenance. To gain foreign currency to meet these obligations, ZESA is exporting electricity during non-peak hours to generate foreign currency, underscoring the urgency of addressing both the financial and operational challenges the utility faces.

The relationship between ZESA and the mining sector has been strained, marked by frequent disputes over debt repayment. In early 2021, ZESA even threatened to cut off power supplies to mining companies in arrears. This situation highlights the severity of the debt crisis and the difficulties ZESA encounters in managing its financial obligations.

As the largest consumer of electricity in the country, the mining sector relies heavily on a stable and reliable power supply to sustain its mining and processing activities. However, power shortages and frequent outages have disrupted operations, emphasizing the urgent need for a stable energy supply. The mining sector’s substantial debt to ZESA, combined with its high energy demands, underscores the broader challenges facing Zimbabwe’s power infrastructure and highlights the need for both immediate and long-term solutions to ensure energy stability for continued growth and development in the industry.

Looking ahead, ZESA has outlined plans to more than double the national grid capacity by 2025. Although the utility has a generating capacity of 2,000 megawatts (MW), it currently produces only 1,400 MW due to regular breakdowns at its thermal power stations and ongoing water shortages at its hydroelectric plant. To address this shortfall, Zimbabwe plans to add 2,300 MW to the grid by 2025, with more than 80% of the new capacity expected to meet the demands of the mining sector.

In response to the growing power needs, large-scale miners have been given a deadline until 2026 to establish their own power generation facilities. This initiative is in anticipation of continued economic growth, which is expected to push power demand above 3,000 megawatts within the next two years. The increased demand is driven by the emergence of several new lithium mining companies and the construction of the US$1.5 billion Dinson Iron and Steel Company (Disco) plant in Manhize, near Mvuma in the Midlands, among other new projects across the country.

The mining sector’s significant debt to ZESA and the ongoing power supply challenges reflect broader issues within Zimbabwe’s energy sector. The planned increase in power generation capacity and the shift towards self-generation by mining companies are crucial steps toward addressing these challenges and ensuring a stable energy supply for the future.

Caledonia to Invest US$300 Million, But Calls for Policy Stability

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Caledonia to Invest US$300 Million, But Calls for Policy Stability

Listed gold producer Caledonia Mining Corporation has announced plans to invest US$300 million in its local operations, specifically in the Bilboes Sulphide Project. However, the company is calling for greater policy stability in the operating environment.

By Ryan Chigoche

Frequent changes in regulations, taxes, and ownership requirements create an unpredictable business environment, making long-term planning difficult. Moreover, inconsistencies in the application of these policies across different levels of government add to the confusion, further deterring potential investors.

Providing an update on the outlook of the company’s operations in Zimbabwe, Caledonia’s CEO, Mark Learmonth stated that the planned US$300 million investment hinges on achieving policy stability.

“We are planning to invest over $300 million in Zimbabwe. However, we need policy stability and consistency, particularly with respect to exchange rates, taxation, and exchange control/RBZ regulations. We can manage operational challenges, which are a normal part of mining investment,” Learmonth said.

This development comes as the company sets its immediate strategic focus on developing the Bilboes Sulphide Project while also maintaining production at Blanket Mine within the targeted range of 74,000 to 78,000 ounces for this year.

According to the company, the primary objective at Bilboes is to construct a large, multi-open-pit operation to extract sulphide mineralization.

The Bilboes gold project is expected to yield approximately 1.5 million ounces of gold (based on measured and indicated mineral resources) over a 10-year mine life at an all-in-sustaining cost of US$968 per ounce. The project has an estimated payback period of 1.9 years at a gold price of US$1,884 per ounce.

However, the investment in the project is also subject to the availability of debt funding.

“We can provide no guidance on timing, which will depend on the availability of funding and, in particular, the speed at which lenders can make debt funding available,” Learmonth added.

The company aims to complete the feasibility study on the Bilboes Sulphide Project, evaluate funding solutions, commence development of the project, and continue exploration activities at Motapa.

Caledonia Mining Corporation has reiterated that its immediate strategic focus is to maintain production at Blanket Mine at the targeted range of 74,000 to 78,000 ounces for 2024, while its primary growth priority is the Bilboes Sulphide Project.

Parliament Lauds Mining Village at Harare Agriculture Show

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Parliament Lauds Mining Village at Harare Agriculture Show

The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development, chaired by Hon. Remigious Matangira, has expressed admiration for the mining village at the 114th edition of the Harare Agriculture Show.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Hon. Matangira urged more mining companies to showcase their corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals and strategies at such exhibitions.

This year’s show features three prominent mining companies—Mimosa Mining Company, Zimplats, and the Zimbabwe Diamond Consolidated Company (ZCDC)—all of which are highlighting their CSR initiatives, particularly those related to agriculture.

On Tuesday, Mozambique’s President Filipe Nyusi officially opened the 114th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS). Running from Monday until Saturday at the Exhibition Park in Harare, this year’s event, themed “Cultivating Prosperity: Growing Business. Innovating for Change. Nurturing Our Future,” is expected to attract over 200,000 visitors.

Hon. Matangira commended the mining village at ZAS, describing it as highly impressive. He called on companies to maintain the momentum and encourage others to showcase their work, particularly in agriculture.

“To be very honest, this is very impressive. I did not expect this, especially given the decline in base mineral prices. I was pleasantly surprised by the strength displayed by our Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) miners. It’s very positive. We have visited the ZCDC stand, a diamond company, as well as Mimosa, Zimplats, and, of course, the Ministry of Mines,” Matangira said.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining this momentum and encouraging broader participation from the mining sector.

“More companies should be motivated to exhibit. For example, we anticipated participation from Freda Rebecca in the gold sector and Blanket Mine, owned by Caledonia Mining Corporation.”

Hon. Matangira further highlighted that mining companies’ participation in the Agriculture Show helps market Zimbabwe as a brand, showcasing the country’s potential and attracting investment.

“We want to market Zimbabwe because our President, His Excellency E.D. Mnangagwa, has declared that Zimbabwe is open for business. We have faced challenges like the El Niño phenomenon, so now we rely heavily on mining. The mining sector, supported by initiatives like this, showcases what Zimbabwe has to offer, helping to attract more investors to the country,” Matangira said.

How Zimbabwe’s Mining Sector is Empowering Communities Through Agriculture

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How Zimbabwe’s Mining Sector is Empowering Communities Through Agriculture

Mining companies in Zimbabwe are increasingly integrating agricultural initiatives into their corporate social responsibility strategies, reflecting a growing commitment to sustainable community development, according to the Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Engineer Polite Kambamura.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe at the Harare Agriculture Showgrounds on Wednesday, Dr Kambamura highlighted that by partnering with local farmers, mining companies such as Mimosa and Zimplats—currently exhibiting at the ongoing Harare Agriculture Show—are helping to build sustainable livelihoods. These efforts include initiatives like cattle rearing, the establishment of small industries, nutritional gardens, and dairy farming.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that this approach not only improves community welfare but also ensures that the positive impacts of mining continue to benefit communities long after mineral resources have been exhausted.

“If you observe what mining companies are doing, you may think that they are now diversifying into farming. Mining companies have partnered with farmers in a way to empower them.

“This way, even though people in our communities may not physically see the mineral, they can appreciate what mining companies are doing for the communities around them,” Dr Kambamura stated.

Drawing a parallel with Botswana’s diamond industry, where the discovery of diamonds in 1969 at Orapa significantly improved infrastructure and living standards—despite many locals never seeing the diamonds—Dr. Kambamura noted that Zimbabwe’s mining sector aims to leave a similar legacy.

“Diamonds were discovered in Botswana in 1969 at Orapa. Since then, very few people in Botswana have seen the diamonds, but they appreciate what the diamond industry has done for their country. It’s the only mineral that has been mined for the past 40 or so years. This mineral has managed to build infrastructure, roads, and more. Similarly, the diamond industry has changed lives in Botswana, just as we are working to change the Zimbabwean mining sector. Beyond just seeing the mineral, like platinum, the miners have gone further into the community to empower people through agriculture,” he said.

Dr. Kambamura also underscored the importance of mining companies engaging with farmers and conducting environmental impact assessments to ensure their operations support rather than harm local agriculture.

“This approach emphasizes the importance of developing projects that sustain communities and improve the quality of life for future generations, long after the mining activities have ceased.

“We have seen people being empowered through building up their cattle herds, setting up small industries, and establishing nutritional gardens. People are also being empowered through dairy farming. What we need to know is that after mining, there should be enough evidence for future generations to see that once upon a time, there was platinum in Zimbabwe, and this is the result. This is what we are benefiting from now.

“In the future, even if the resources are depleted, future generations should still be able to see the impact. This is what the mining sector is doing—they’ve diversified into farming so that their corporate responsibility is focused on people and can sustain communities. That’s why the mining companies are exhibiting here.

“It’s no longer just about mining; it’s about the people and the communities where minerals are found. When mining companies develop corporate responsibility projects, they engage the communities around them, especially farmers. These communities are the ones who come up with sustainable projects for their areas. They also identify issues that may negatively impact their farming operations.

“Before any mining begins, there is an environmental impact assessment done to determine if there will be any negative effects on farmers, particularly those in the surrounding areas.

“It’s about engagement and re-engagement with our farmers and farming communities. Farmers are being empowered through dairy farming and crop farming. For example, a mining company might set up a dam for its own benefit, drawing water for its use. Farmers around the area are also engaged and given the chance to use that water for farming in the surrounding mining areas,” he explained.

Ferrochrome Miners Commence 300 MW Power Project

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Ferrochrome Miners Commence 300 MW Power Project

In response to the government’s call for increased self-reliance in energy production, ferrochrome miners in Zimbabwe are embarking on a major power initiative. Ferrochrome companies, which have historically benefited from relatively low tariffs, are now investing in their own power generation. This move aims to address the sector’s high energy demands and reduce dependency on the national grid.

by Ryan Chigoche

Construction has begun on a significant 300 MW thermal power project in Hwange, with the first 100 MW expected to come online by mid-2025. Additionally, a new 720 MW thermal power station will commence construction this quarter, designed to supply both self-generated power and additional electricity to other ferrochrome companies. ZESA Chairman Sidney Gata said in a statement, “Construction work has already started at one site targeting to produce 300 MW of thermal power in Hwange, with the first 100 MW coming on stream by mid-2025. Construction work will commence this Q3 on a 720 MW thermal power station by one of the ferrochrome companies for self-supply and supply to other ferrochrome companies.”

The Hwange Power Station is also undergoing a major upgrade through its Repowering Programme, with a US$800 million investment aimed at enhancing the station’s capacity and reliability. This initiative will upgrade Units 1 to 6, extending their operational life by 15 to 20 years. The completion of the Unit 5 upgrade is scheduled for April 2025, aligning with peak winter demand periods.

Power costs have become a significant concern for Zimbabwean miners, particularly after a 40% tariff increase last year. For many mining companies, electricity constitutes about 20% of their operational costs. Ferrochrome producers, in particular, have felt the impact, as they are among the highest energy users. Zimasco, a major player in the industry, has faced frequent plant shutdowns due to disputes with ZESA, exacerbated by falling global ferrochrome prices. In response, Zimasco has announced plans to build a 100 MW solar plant near its Kwekwe facility. Other ferrochrome miners, including Jinan-Almid and Titan Power, are also investing in power generation projects.

ZESA is not only supporting these initiatives but is also advancing its own solar power projects. With studies for sites totalling 400 MW nearing the bankability stage, ZESA plans to develop these through various partnerships.

However, ZESA faces a significant power supply shortfall, particularly during peak winter periods, with a gap of up to 540 MW. The utility’s total power supply averages 1,310 MW, against a peak demand of 1,850 MW. Recent technical issues, including a fault at Hwange Power Station Unit 8, have further strained the system. To address the shortfall, ZESA is importing power from regional utilities and engaging in the SAPP Day Ahead Market, though reduced import capacity and significant arrears over ZIG 5.7 billion have complicated these efforts. In response, ZESA has also been exporting electricity during non-peak hours to generate revenue and meet financial obligations.

The ferrochrome industry’s investment in power generation reflects a broader trend of resource-intensive industries in Zimbabwe seeking greater energy independence amid ongoing challenges in the national power sector.

Zimplats Set to Commission 35MW Solar Plant

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Zimplats Set to Commission 35MW Solar Plant

Zimbabwe’s largest platinum group metals (PGM) producer, Zimplats, is gearing up to commission its 35MW solar power plant in the first quarter of the group’s 2025 financial year, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Patricia Rwafa

The 35MW solar plant marks the initial phase of Zimplats’ ambitious plan to develop a total of 185MW of solar capacity, in alignment with the company’s commitment to sustainable energy use.

According to Zimplats’ fourth-quarter financial report for the 2024 fiscal year, the company has already invested US$36 million in the 35MW solar project, just shy of the US$37 million budgeted for the initiative.

This project represents the first of four phases that will ultimately expand Zimplats’ solar power generation capacity to an impressive 185MW.

“US$36 million has been spent on the implementation of the 35MW solar plant project against a budget of US$37 million. The solar plant will be commissioned in the first quarter of FY2025,” the Zimplats report reads in part.

The commissioning of the 35MW solar plant comes at a crucial time for Zimbabwe’s energy sector, where electricity demand from the mining industry has surged to 2,600MW—far exceeding the 1,200MW currently produced by the national grid.

The situation has been exacerbated by issues with Unit 8 of the Hwange Units 7 and 8 project, which cost $1.5 billion but is now producing less than 700MW. This shortfall has intensified the country’s power crisis, driving companies like Zimplats to pursue self-sufficient power solutions to avoid operational disruptions due to severe power cuts.

The construction of the 35MW solar plant is currently 86% complete and follows the earlier success of Caledonia’s 12MW solar plant, which now meets approximately 30% of that company’s power demand.

The successful commissioning of the 35MW solar plant in early 2025 will be a significant milestone for both Zimplats and the broader Zimbabwean energy landscape. By leading the way in sustainable and self-reliant energy solutions, Zimplats is poised to inspire other industries to adopt similar strategies, contributing to the long-term resilience and prosperity of Zimbabwe’s economy.

In addition to its solar power initiatives, Zimplats has also made strides in improving its water use practices. The company reported a decrease in the use of recycled water, from 44% to 39% in FY2024, due to below-normal rainfall associated with the El Niño-induced drought. To augment water supplies, Zimplats increased the volume of water abstracted from dams and underground sources by 15% compared to the previous reporting period.

Furthermore, Zimplats has continued its commitment to sustainability by rehabilitating its open-pit working areas, with 9.1 hectares of land restored during the period, consistent with previous efforts. Additionally, a 1.2-hectare area of the tailings storage facilities was re-vegetated as part of the company’s ongoing concurrent rehabilitation program.

Mimosa Invests Over US$2 Million in Community Development

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Mimosa Invests Over US$2 Million in Community Development

Zimbabwe’s second-largest platinum group metals (PGM) producer, Mimosa Mining Company, has contributed US$2,035,528 towards community development projects, Mining Zimbabwe has learnt.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

According to Mimosa‘s 2023 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report, the company continues to make substantial investments in infrastructure development within the areas of health, education, water, and sanitation, underscoring its commitment to fostering mutually beneficial relationships with local communities.

“Our current focus is on prioritizing projects with sustainable outcomes, such as our livestock revitalization program and Mtshingwe Nursery projects,” the ESG report states.

In the education sector, Mimosa donated US$233,536 to Dadaya Primary School and Shonhayi Secondary School. The funds were used to support the development of learning infrastructure, including the construction and equipping of ablution facilities, classroom blocks, fencing materials, and prize-giving awards, all aimed at creating a conducive learning environment.

In the health sector, Mimosa invested US$942,323 in Mberengwa District Hospital and Masvingo Provincial Hospital. The funds were allocated for the improvement of medical facilities, including the construction and equipping of a mortuary, a female ward laundry facility, and a theatre.

In the agricultural sector, the report highlights that Mimosa invested US$648,315 in the Mberengwa, Zvishavane, and Mtshingwe communities. These funds were directed towards supporting cattle breeding programs, providing nutritional community garden infrastructure, and offering nursery training to enhance production and livelihoods. The initiatives included the provision of bulls, heifers, semen straws for artificial insemination, and garden infrastructure.

Mimosa also invested US$151,026 in nutritional support for vulnerable groups. Beneficiaries included Manhinga Children’s Home, Copota School of the Blind, Jairos Jiri, ZPHCA – Handicapped Children, Ruvimbo School of the Disabled, and Isheanesu Multi-Purpose Centre for the Disabled. The funds were used to improve access to nutritional foods for disabled individuals and those in vulnerable situations.

In Zvishavane, Mimosa contributed US$60,328 towards water and sanitation projects. This investment focused on improving access to clean water through the drilling and installation of boreholes.

Zimbabwe gold buying prices per gram 27 August 2024

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Zimbabwe gold buying prices per gram 27 August 2024

Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) official gold buying prices/ gram. See the Zimbabwe gold buying prices per gram today 27 August 2024.

SG 90% and ABOVE US$76.29/g
SG ABOVE 85% BUT BELOW 90% US$75.48g
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$74.68/g
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$73.87/g
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$72.66g

Fire Assay CASH $76.70/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

Cash available. Fidelity Gold Refinery prices will be changing daily to match world market prices.

Unki First to Achieve IRMA 75 Rating, Completes Surveillance Audit

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Unki First to Achieve IRMA 75 Rating, Completes Surveillance Audit

Anglo-American Platinum (Amplats) – owned Unki Mine, the country’s third-largest platinum group metals (PGM) producer, has set a global benchmark by becoming the first mine to achieve the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) 75 Rating and complete the IRMA Surveillance Audit, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

According to Amplats’ Climate Change Report for 2023, Unki Mine was the first mine in the world to publicly commit to being independently audited against the IRMA Standard. It was also the first mine in Africa to complete the review, achieving the IRMA 75 Rating in the process.

The report further states that in 2022, Unki became the first mine in the world to undergo an IRMA Surveillance Audit.

“Our Unki PGMs mine in Zimbabwe was the first mine in the world to publicly commit to being independently audited against the IRMA Standard and the first mine in Africa to complete the review, which was verified by a third-party assessor. Unki has achieved the IRMA 75 Rating. In 2022, Unki also became the first mine in the world to undergo an IRMA Surveillance Audit,” the report reads in part.

The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) responds to the global demand for more socially and environmentally responsible mining.

IRMA offers truly independent assessments against a comprehensive standard for all mined materials, providing ‘one-stop coverage’ of the full range of issues related to the impacts of industrial-scale mines.

The organization envisions a world where the mining industry respects the human rights and aspirations of affected communities, provides safe, healthy, and supportive workplaces, minimizes harm to the environment, and leaves positive legacies.

IRMA’s mission is to protect people and the environment directly affected by mining. They achieve this by creating financial value for mines that are independently verified to achieve best practices and by sharing this value with the businesses that purchase material from these mines.

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