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Bikita Minerals Records Nearly 0.5 Million Fatality-Free Shifts

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Bikita Minerals Records Nearly 0.5 Million Fatality-Free Shifts

Sinomine-owned Bikita Minerals, in its quest to achieve zero harm in the mining industry, has recorded 457,500 injury and fatality-free shifts, Mining Zimbabwe has learnt.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

According to a statement by Bikita Minerals on its X handle (formerly Twitter), the lithium mine prioritizes the safety of its employees and the surrounding community.

“We celebrate the attainment of zero fatalities and injuries in the first 7 months of 2024. At Bikita Minerals, we value the safety of our employees and the community around us and believe zero harm is sustainable,” the statement read.

This safety achievement follows the milestone reached by Kuvimba Mining House-owned Shamva Mine, which recorded 365 days without a lost time injury and over 1.1 million fatality-free shifts.

Achieving zero harm in mining has significant benefits for the government, communities, and families. For the government, it means fewer resources spent on healthcare and emergency response, allowing more funds to be allocated toward development projects. Safe mining practices also enhance the industry’s reputation, attracting investment and boosting economic growth.

Communities benefit from reduced environmental and health risks, fostering trust between mining companies and local residents. This trust can lead to greater community support and cooperation, facilitating smoother operations and local development initiatives.

For families, zero harm means that workers return home safely each day, reducing the emotional and financial strain caused by workplace accidents. This stability can improve the overall quality of life and well-being of families, reinforcing the social fabric of mining communities. Zero harm is not just a goal but a foundation for sustainable development and shared prosperity in mining regions.

Investment Opportunities Exist in Exploration and Value Addition – Chiwenga

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Investment Opportunities Exist in Exploration and Value Addition – Chiwenga

There are numerous opportunities to invest in greenfield exploration and value addition for over 60 tradable minerals found in Zimbabwe, Vice President Dr. Constantine Guvheya Chiwenga said.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking at the investment conference held during the 7th SADC Industrialisation Week on Monday, Vice President Chiwenga highlighted that Zimbabwe is endowed with over 60 tradable minerals that are critical to the world’s technological advancement.

“Zimbabwe is open to new investments in the energy sector, and investors can explore opportunities in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and thermal energy, including gas and coal. As you may be aware, Zimbabwe is among the countries in the world endowed with over 60 tradable minerals such as gold, platinum, diamonds, coal, nickel, and 17 rare earth elements that are critical in a technologically driven world. Investment opportunities, therefore, exist in greenfield exploration, value addition, and beneficiation. These opportunities can be explored through joint ventures with various companies and by providing financial and technical support to small-scale miners,” Dr. Chiwenga said.

Dr. Chiwenga also mentioned the opportunity for Zimbabwe to manufacture lithium batteries and subsequently become a key player in the electric vehicle manufacturing industry, urging Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) countries to prioritize beneficiation and value addition of minerals.

“Zimbabwe presents opportunities for lithium beneficiation and, in the long term, the manufacturing of lithium batteries, positioning the country as a key player in the electric vehicle manufacturing industry. SADC Member States should capitalize on these resources and invest in value addition and beneficiation to maximize foreign currency earnings and develop our own skills,” the Vice President of Zimbabwe said.

The theme of this year’s SADC Industrialisation Week is “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustainable Economic Growth and Development towards an Industrialised SADC.” This investment conference aligns with the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap, aiming to enhance the environment for industrial development, improve investment efficiency, and create regional value chains.

The objective of this investment conference is to expedite the implementation of the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap and identify industrialisation projects for joint implementation by the public and private sectors in SADC Member States. This conference offers a platform for local, regional, and international investors to explore potential investment opportunities within the SADC region, network, establish collaborations, and showcase transformative investment projects.

The SADC region holds significant investment potential. According to SADC reports, its 16 Member States contribute 27.78% of Africa’s GDP and attracted 55.10% of total foreign direct investment inflows in Africa in 2021. The region boasts valuable minerals, offering investment opportunities in extraction, beneficiation, and value addition. Recent discoveries of lithium in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe present opportunities for lithium beneficiation and, in the long term, the manufacturing of lithium batteries and becoming a key player in the electric vehicle manufacturing industry. SADC Member States should capitalize on these resources and invest in value addition and beneficiation to maximize foreign currency earnings and develop our own skills.

It is high time that the region becomes self-reliant and stops depending on other countries for goods that can be produced locally. In light of these resources, SADC adopted the Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan in 2012 at the 32nd Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, held in Mozambique. This plan upscaled the development of priority projects across six clusters: energy, water, transport, meteorology, tourism, and information communication technology.

The SADC Secretariat has developed a compendium of SADC investment opportunities, which highlights 45 key regional projects in infrastructure development. These should be implemented as they are essential for sustainable regional growth. The Africa Continental Free Trade Area presents opportunities for the SADC region to position itself as a premier investment destination in Africa. Collaboration to enhance productive capacities, competitiveness, and attract foreign direct investment is crucial. The region must leverage its comparative advantages such as peace and stability, an educated populace, natural resources, a favourable climate, and integrated transport infrastructure to boost productivity and seize trading opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

In 2006, SADC adopted the Protocol on Finance and Investment to promote investment in the region. This protocol encourages Member States to attract investors through favourable policies and regulations. The SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap emphasizes deeper integration to facilitate increased FDI inflows and integrate regional industries into global value chains. Member States are urged to implement these investment-friendly policies to attract FDI, increase production and productivity, and facilitate technology and skills transfers. Competitive policies that attract and protect investments, as well as incentivize private sector investment, are needed to stimulate economic growth.

Manufacturing Growth Revised Upwards to 2.5% on Account of DISCO

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Manufacturing Growth Revised Upwards to 2.5% on Account of DISCO

The government has revised the growth projection for the manufacturing sector upwards to 2.5% from 1.5%, which was initially projected in November 2023. This revision takes into account the commencement of operations at Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO).

According to the Minister of Finance and Investment Promotion, Prof. Mthuli Ncube, while presenting the 2024 Midterm Budget and Economic Review, this projected growth reflects the expected positive impact of ongoing investments.

“The growth of the manufacturing sector has been revised upwards to 2.5% from the 1.6% projected in November 2023, to reflect the expected positive impact of substantial investments in both existing and new plant and machinery.

“In addition, the projection also considers the commencement of steel production at Dinson Iron and Steel Company in Manhize and its effect on both downstream and upstream industries,” he said.

Despite the growth in output during 2023, capacity utilisation slightly declined to 53.2%, primarily due to new investments that increased the installed capacity of the local industry.

Prof. Mthuli Ncube also mentioned that investments in modern technology, artificial intelligence, and robotics have resulted in increased production in the bakery and dairy subsectors.

“Significant investments in modern automation technologies, such as robotics, have led to the bakery subsector increasing bread production capacity to 2.3 million loaves per day.

“Similarly, the Dairy Processors Association of Zimbabwe has formed partnerships with tertiary institutions such as the Harare Institute of Technology, Chinhoyi University of Technology, and a Danish university to enhance the training of technicians in areas related to dairy technology, production efficiencies, and ensuring high product quality. New production technologies are also being installed in the edible oils, beverages, and other subsectors. All these interventions are directly increasing productivity through modern technology,” Ncube said.

Reviving the Clothing Sub-Sector

Furthermore, to revive the clothing sub-sector, the Zimbabwe Cotton-to-Clothing Strategy 2024–2030 amendment is expected to be completed and implemented by the end of 2024.

Investments in the Fertilizer Sub-Sector

Notable investments were recorded in the fertilizer sub-sector, with refurbishments at Sable Chemicals and ZFC Limited, two of the largest fertilizer-producing companies. The subsector also recorded the entry of two new players, which is expected to significantly increase fertilizer output going forward.

Domestic Steel Production

In terms of domestic steel production, Dinson Iron and Steel Company is now at an advanced stage of setting up a massive iron and steel plant, to be implemented in four phases at a cost of US$1.5 billion. The first phase is now complete, and the production of pig iron and stockpiling for further value addition to steel billets is underway. The second phase, which includes the production of steel billets, is earmarked for the latter half of 2024.

Financial Support for Growth

To facilitate the growth of the manufacturing sector, an amount of ZiG34.5 million was disbursed to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce during the period under review. The sector also benefitted from Development Partner assistance amounting to US$1.8 million. Of this, US$1.3 million was disbursed by the Swedish Embassy towards capacity building for the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries, aimed at strengthening industrial transformation, enterprise development, and entrepreneurship.

ZIMSHEC to Conduct ASM Mining SHE Toolkit in Bulawayo

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ZIMSHEC to Conduct ASM Mining SHE Toolkit in Bulawayo

The Zimbabwe Mining Safety Health and Environment Council (ZIMSHEC) will conduct an artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) training program, dubbed the Mining SHE Toolkit, in Bulawayo in mid-August this year, ZIMSHEC Director Mr. Makumba Nyenje announced.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

According to Nyenje, the Mining SHE Toolkit focuses on responsible mining and sourcing in the ASM industry. The goal is to ensure that the country’s mining sector is not tainted by unknown practices within ASM, thereby elevating the industry to world-class standards.

“Mining SHE Toolkit focuses on responsible mining. It includes the engineering setup, adherence to provided statutory instruments (SIs), recruitment drive, and social and economic justice. There are quite a lot of aspects involved. It will be held in August and is aimed at training artisanal and small-scale miners to improve their SHE practices,” Nyenje said.

Nyenje added that ZIMSHEC has called upon officers from the Zimbabwe School of Mines, the Midlands State University, and the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to provide training to the artisanal miners.

“We have invited the Zimbabwe School of Mines, the Mining Division at Midlands State University, and officials from the Ministry of Mines’ engineering department. Additionally, our officers from ZIMSHEC will conduct the training sessions,” Nyenje said.

This training initiative will be crucial for the government’s ongoing research of a responsible mining audit. By improving the SHE practices of artisanal and small-scale miners, the training will support the audit’s goals of ensuring that all mining activities in the country meet high standards of safety, health, and environmental responsibility.

Zimbabwe gold buying prices per gram 29 July 2024

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Zimbabwe gold buying prices per gram 29 July 2024

Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) official gold buying prices/ gram. See the Zimbabwe gold buying prices per gram today 29 July 2024.

SG 90% and ABOVE US$72.49/g
SG ABOVE 85% BUT BELOW 90% US$71.72g
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$70.96/g
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$70.19/g
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$69.04g

Fire Assay CASH $72.87/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.

Mining Growth Projections Reduced to 5.2% Due to Expected Lower Gold Production

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Mining Growth Projections Reduced to 5.2% Due to Expected Lower Gold Production

The government of Zimbabwe has revised its mining growth projections for 2024, reducing the expected growth from the initial 7.6 percent projected at the beginning of the year to 5.2 percent as of June. This adjustment is attributed to lower-than-expected gold production output.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking to the Parliament of Zimbabwe during the 2024 Midterm Budget and Economic Review, held under the theme “Consolidating Economic Transformation,” Minister of Finance and Investment Promotion Prof. Mthuli Ncube highlighted the revised expectations for gold output.

“In 2024, mining sector growth is now projected at 5.2%, down from the 7.6% projected during the 2024 Budget. The downward revision is on account of expected lower gold output than initially projected,” Prof. Ncube stated.

Despite the reduction in gold output projections, Prof. Ncube noted that the mining sector has shown resilience due to improved production of lithium, platinum group metals (PGMs), nickel, and chrome. These increases in production have helped offset the impact of softening commodity prices.

“The resilience of the sector is underpinned by new minerals, particularly lithium, along with anticipated higher output for PGMs, nickel, and chrome, which are expected to compensate for international price decreases,” he said.

The state of mining in Zimbabwe faces significant challenges, including frequent electricity outages and high electricity costs. The current electricity tariff of US$0.14 per kWh is double the US$0.07 per kWh rate desired by the industry, resulting in high operational costs. Additionally, a 15 percent VAT, considered high by industry standards, has contributed to reduced production.

However, there is a silver lining with the recent removal of VAT on all gold sales, which could potentially boost production as miners benefit from more favorable pricing.

The mining sector’s growth and resilience amid these challenges underscore the importance of strategic adjustments and policy support to ensure sustainable development and investment in Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth.

Breaking: Caxton Mangezi Retires as Caledonia Vice President

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Breaking: Caxton Mangezi Retires as Caledonia Vice President

Caledonia Mining Corporation has announced that Mr Caxton Mangezi will be retiring from his position as Vice President of Zimbabwe operations. The company expressed gratitude and thanked the legendary miner for over 55 years of outstanding service at its flagship gold operation, Blanket Mine.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

In a statement, Caledonia Mining Corporation noted that during his tenure as General Manager at Blanket from 1993 to 2021, Mangezi oversaw the production of nearly 33 tonnes of gold, marking an outstanding contribution to the gold mining operation.

“Mr. Mangezi has worked at Blanket since 1969, between 1993 and 2021 he held full responsibility for the day-to-day operations in his role as General Manager.

During the period of his stewardship:

– Blanket produced over 1 million ounces of gold (nearly 33 tonnes), which represents an outstanding contribution to all stakeholders.
– Blanket emerged as one of Zimbabwe’s largest and most reliable large-scale gold producers, which now employs over 2,000 people.
– Blanket increased its production from 20,000 ounces (567 kg) in 1993 to over 80,000 ounces in 2022 (approx. 2.5 tonnes),” the company said.

Caledonia also stated that during his time as General Manager, Mangezi successfully implemented the Central Shaft project which increased the life of Blanket Mine to the year 2041.

“A major milestone during this time was the successful implementation of the Central Shaft project, completed in 2021, which involved sinking a new shaft from the surface to 1,204 meters. This project was accomplished under Mr. Mangezi’s direction, using internal financial and technical resources, and completed and commissioned without any fatality. Following the commissioning of this shaft, Blanket’s mine life has increased to 2041 with scope for further extensions depending on exploration success,” the company said.

Commenting on Mangezi’s retirement, Mark Learmonth, Chief Executive Officer of Caledonia, said:

“On behalf of Caledonia, I thank Caxton for his outstanding contribution to the success of Blanket Mine over many decades. It has been an enormous privilege to work with him. I am very pleased he has agreed to remain a consultant to the company, where we can continue to benefit from his experience and insight. In addition to his role at Blanket, I would also like to recognize his important position in the Zimbabwe mining industry in which he commands deep and wide respect for his achievements over a long and distinguished career. Along with my colleagues – past and current – I wish him a long and happy retirement.”

Nick Ncube, Chairman of Blanket Mine, commented: “Blanket Mine was a very different place when Caxton started 55 years ago and, over this time, he has made many contributions to its success. Under his leadership, Blanket has increased production to around 75,000 ounces today. A key component of this growth was the completion of the Central Shaft project which has established a solid foundation for the business. Achievements such as this require strong leadership and we are all extremely grateful to Caxton, whose strength, skills, and experience proved invaluable over this period. I wish him a happy retirement.”

Mangezi said he was honoured to have served at Blanket Mine and wished the company the best.

“It has been an honour to serve Blanket Mine over my career, during which time I have witnessed the transformation of the business. I wish the company the very best for the future,” commented Mangezi.

Shamva Mine Production Increases by Over 30%

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Shamva Mine Production Increases by Over 30%

Production at the Kuvimba Mining House (KMH) owned Shamva Mine has increased by 30.9% on a month-to-month basis in 2024 compared to 2023, the Mine’s General Manager, Eng. Gift Mapakame has said.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe, Eng. Mapakame said production at Shamva has been on a recovery streak since January, increasing production from 42,000 tonnes per month, which was the average last year and at the beginning of this year, to around 55,000 tonnes per month that the mine is now mining and processing.

Eng. Mapakame said that the Shamva-based gold mine had been struggling with excessive power cuts at the beginning of the year but has since invested in backup power capacity to sustain vital infrastructure, equipment, and production operations during power outages.

“As a mine, we’ve also been addressing issues related to our performance parameters, namely grade. Our grade was not performing as expected in the underground sections, and our efforts have been focused on unlocking flexibility in the underground section. We’ve also taken the opportunity to optimize our big project in the pipeline, which is the Shamva Hill open pit project, by starting the starter pits that were designated in the optimization. These have already begun contributing to our production.

“Our tactical approach is twofold, we are unlocking flexibility in the underground section and scaling up our starter pits on the surface. As a result, we have managed to increase our production from 42,000 tonnes per month, which was our average last year and at the beginning of this year, to around 55,000 tonnes per month that we are now mining and processing. This results in a production of upwards of 60 kg of gold or over 2,100 ounces per month. The combination of this strategy is well-timed, as we are also benefiting from a favorable commodity price in the market,” he said.

This increase in production has allowed Shamva Mine to realize a net increase in revenue, with some of these revenues being utilized to fund capital expenditure projects internally.

The mine has faced challenges with financial institutions and fundraising markets. The management believes that the company’s growth, in terms of staying business capital and development capital, can only be organic. With the current performance, the mine is channelling a significant portion of its retained cash towards staying business capital and development capital.

For staying business capital, the focus is on the replacement and refurbishment of equipment and machinery. For development capital, the mine is investing in exploration, including infill drilling on the surface resource and exploration drilling in the underground section.

In pursuit of unlocking flexibility, this exploration is essential for developing the mineral resource.

Breaking: Shamva Achieves Over 1.1 Million Fatality-Free Shifts, 365 Days Without Lost Time Injuries

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Breaking: Shamva Achieves Over 1.1 Million Fatality-Free Shifts, 365 Days Without Lost Time Injuries

Kuvimba Mining House (KMH)-owned Shamva Mining Company, in its endeavour to achieve zero harm and demonstrate that such a standard is possible in the mining sector, has accomplished 1,167,000 fatality-free shifts.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The gold mine has also achieved 365 days without a lost time injury, with zero workdays lost due to injuries, a clear indication of Shamva’s focus on the safety and well-being of its employees. Notably, the mine achieved 1 million fatality-free shifts on December 5, 2023.

According to Shamva Mining Company General Manager, Gift Mapakame, the achievement of this milestone is due to the collective commitment to safety and maintaining a hazard-free work environment.

“I am thrilled to announce that we have reached a significant milestone: 365 days without a lost time injury. This achievement is a testament to our collective commitment to safety and our dedication to maintaining a hazard-free work environment,” Mapakame said.

This milestone is crucial not only for Shamva Mining Company but also for the entire mining industry in Zimbabwe. It sets a benchmark for safety standards and demonstrates that operating without fatalities or significant injuries is possible.

For the mining industry, which is often associated with hazardous working conditions, achieving such a milestone signifies a paradigm shift towards prioritizing worker safety. This success story can inspire other mining operations to enhance their safety protocols, thus contributing to the overall improvement of the industry.

Several mines in Zimbabwe and globally have set similar benchmarks. For instance, Mimosa Mining Company achieved over 3 million fatality-free shifts, showcasing its dedication to worker safety. Similarly, Caledonia Mining Corporation’s Blanket Mine has been lauded for its stringent safety measures, significantly reducing lost time injuries.

Shamva’s achievement contributes to this growing safety culture and demonstrates the feasibility of zero harm in mining operations. It underscores the importance of continuous training, adherence to safety protocols, and fostering a culture where safety is ingrained in every aspect of the operation.

By achieving this milestone, Shamva Mining Company not only enhances its reputation but also contributes positively to the perception of the mining industry in Zimbabwe as a safe and responsible sector. This can attract more investments, improve worker morale, and set new safety standards for others to follow.

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