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Mazoe Mining Company to resume underground operations

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Mazoe Mining Company to resume underground operations

Metalon Corporation-owned Mazowe Mining Company (MMC) has announced its plans to resume underground shaft operations as part of its corporate strategy.

This move aims to reintroduce shaft mining and extensively rehabilitate mining areas to ensure safer mining practices, thereby protecting the lives and well-being of miners, local communities, and the environment.

In a statement, the company said the decision to end all unsafe near-surface mining in favour of more secure operations is a step towards ensuring the overall safety and sustainability of the mining industry. Underground shaft operations are expected to be much safer for miners and the community as a whole. In addition to this, such operations will also significantly contribute to the national fiscus and boost supporting industries.

“Mazowe Mining Company (“MMC”) announces steps to resume underground shaft operations as part of a corporate strategy. This will entail reintroducing shaft mining and extensively rehabilitating mining areas. This step is necessary to ensure that mining is conducted safely, thereby averting loss of life and injury to miners and protecting local communities and the environment,” the company statement reads in part.

“Consequently, MMC is ending all unsafe near-surface mining in favour of more secure operations. Underground shaft operations will be safer for miners and the community. It will also contribute more to the national fiscus and boost supporting industries. This strategic thrust aligns with recent pronouncements by the Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, unequivocally advocating for safe and sustainable mining.

“We are aware that these necessary measures to enforce responsible mining have faced resistance from some miners. Such actions prevent MMC’s efforts to rehabilitate mining pits and pave the way for safe mining. We note the campaign of misinformation that has targeted the Company, meant to discredit the necessary steps we are taking. MMC is cooperating with all parties involved to ensure the success of this transition to safer mining. Together, we aim to set a benchmark for responsible mining, fostering a secure and sustainable future for all stakeholders”

MMC is cooperating with all parties involved to ensure the success of this transition to safer mining. Together, we aim to set a benchmark for responsible mining, fostering a secure and sustainable future for all stakeholders.,” the statement concludes.

Recently Metallon Corporation announced that it was ending all unsafe mining activities including all small-scale mining, and will be returning operations to formalised mining at its Redwing Mine in Penhalonga where 15 Artisanal miners were stuck underground following a 20-metre mine shaft collapse.

Zimbabwe gold buying prices/ gram 26 January 2023

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Zimbabwe gold buying prices/ gram 26 January 2023

Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) official gold buying prices/ gram. See the Zimbabwe gold buying prices/ gram today 26 January 2023.

SG 90% AND ABOVE US$61.48/g
SG ABOVE 85% BUT BELOW 90% US$60.83g
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$60.18/g
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$59.53/g
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$58.55/g

Fire Assay CASH $61.81/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.

237 Miners died from mining accidents in 2023

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237 Miners died from mining accidents in 2023

Zimbabwe has witnessed a sharp increase in mine accidents, claiming the lives of at least 237 individuals in the year 2023.

This astronomical number is a stark contrast to the 139 fatalities recorded in the previous year, 2022, resulting from 121 mining accidents. The gravity of these figures cannot be understated, shedding light on the urgent need for improved mine safety regulations and increased resources to tackle the mounting issue.

Chief Government Mining Engineer (CGME) Michael Munodawafa, expressed concerns over the alarming rise in mine accidents. He attributed a significant portion of these incidents to unregistered mines operating without proper oversight. According to Eng Munodawafa, the authorities face considerable difficulties in curbing the activities of these illegal miners due to limited resources at their disposal.

“This figure (237 deaths) is scary. Most of the accidents occurred in unregistered mines, and we have a problem controlling these illegal miners because of a shortage of resources. Out of all the miners in the country, less than 50 percent are registered,” Munodawafa said.

This tragic situation serves as an urgent wake-up call for Zimbabwe to address the systemic issues that have allowed for such hazardous conditions to persist in its mining sector.

To effectively combat this escalating crisis, it is imperative for the Zimbabwean government to prioritize the regulation and oversight of the mining industry. This involves a concerted effort to crack down on unregistered mines and hold them accountable for their illegal activities. The allocation of adequate resources to mining authorities is essential, enabling them to perform their duties effectively and ensure strict adherence to safety protocols.

Furthermore, it is paramount to encourage and incentivize miners to register their operations. This can be achieved through targeted awareness campaigns, highlighting the benefits of compliance with mining regulations and the protection it offers to both miners and their communities. By increasing the number of registered miners, the authorities can gain better control over the industry and implement comprehensive safety measures to safeguard workers’ lives.

Collaboration between various stakeholders, including mining companies, trade unions, and civil society organizations, is crucial in creating a safe and sustainable mining sector. These entities must join forces to establish robust safety standards, regularly monitor workplaces, and provide training programs to enhance workers’ knowledge of potential hazards and how to mitigate them.

In an effort to prevent potential loss of lives and damage to mines, the Minister of Mines and Mining Development recently issued a stern warning to all miners, emphasizing the increased risks during the rainy season.

In a statement at the the Ministry’s Head Office in Harare, Minister Zhemu Soda  specifically highlighted the dangers of flooding, weakened ground, and slimes dam breaches, which require miners to exercise caution and responsible mining practices.

He urged all miners, particularly artisanal miners, to be mindful of the potential hazards posed by heavy rainfall stating that the current weather conditions, characterized by torrential rainfall, have intensified these risks.

“We implore all miners to fully understand and take necessary precautions to prevent any loss of lives or damage to equipment and mines,” stated Soda.

Six dead in Canada plane crash carrying Rio Tinto workers to diamond mine

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Six dead in Canada plane crash carrying Rio Tinto workers to diamond mine

Six people have died after a plane carrying workers to a Rio Tinto diamond mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories crashed, officials said.

The small Jetstream aircraft was on its way to the company’s Diavik mine and crashed shortly after take-off.

One survivor was airlifted to a hospital in Yellowknife, the Northwest Territories coroner’s office said.

Rio Tinto said it is working closely with authorities as they investigate the crash.

“We are absolutely devastated by this news,” Rio Tinto’s CEO Jakob Stausholm said in a statement.

Four of the fatalities were passengers, and two others were crew members with Northwestern Air, the Northwest Territories coroner’s office said in a statement on Wednesday.

The plane crashed near Fort Smith, a small town about 740 kilometres south of Yellowknife, north of the Alberta border.

Canada’s public broadcaster CBC reported that the plane crashed about 500 metres from the end of the Fort Smith Regional Airport’s runway. Joint Rescue Coordination Center Trenton said it lost contact with the plane shortly after take-off.

Rio Tinto’s Diavik Diamond Mine is about 300 kilometres northeast of Yellowknife. According to the company’s website, it has been in operation since 2003.

The incident has been “very devastating” for the close-knit community, said Fort Smith’s deputy mayor Dianna Korol.

“Everybody has a little piece — or somebody that they know,” Ms Korol told the CBC.

RJ Simpson, the premier of the Northwest Territories, offered his condolences to the victims’ families and friends.

“The impact of this incident is felt across the territory,” Mr Simpson said.

“The people we lost were not just passengers on a flight; they were neighbours, colleagues, friends and loved ones. Their stories and contributions to our communities will not be forgotten.”

Both the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada are investigating the crash.

Fidelity Gold Refinery’s Harare office Extends Operations to Weekends

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Fidelity Gold Refinery’s Harare office Extends Operations to Weekends

Responding to growing demand from customers, Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) has announced that its Harare Office will now be open on weekends.

Announcing on its Facebook page recently, the country gold buyer said to serve its customers better its Head office will now be open from 08:00 to 17:00hrs on both Saturdays and Sundays.

This creates convenience since some customers may have urgent needs to sell or refine gold, especially if they are facing financial constraints. By opening over the weekend, FGR can cater to these urgent demands and provide timely services to customers who require immediate processing.

The advantages of the new Saturday and Sunday schedule are manifold. It allows individuals who work during the week to visit the refinery, avoiding any inconvenience or potential loss of earnings. Moreover, businesses engaged in gold trading or refining can now conduct their operations seamlessly over the weekends, enhancing their overall efficiency and productivity.

In addition to being open on weekends, Fidelity Gold Refinery continues to maintain regular weekday business hours, ensuring optimal accessibility for customers.

The facility remains open Monday through Friday, from 09:00 to 18:00hrs, guaranteeing a broad range of hours to cater to various schedules.

Invictus launches an entitlement offer after US$10 million capital raising

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Invictus launches an entitlement offer after US$10 million capital raising

Following its successful raising of over A$15 million against a target of A$10 million to fund the Cabora Bassa oil and gas project in the Muzarabani-Mbire area, Australia Stock Exchange-listed oil and gas exploration company Invictus Energy has launched an entitlement offer for up to AU$15.2 million at AU$0.13 per share.

Rudairo Mapuranga

According to Invictus Managing Director and CEO Scott MacMillan, the Offer is being made as a pro-rata non-renounceable entitlement issue of one Share for every 12 Shares held by Shareholders registered at the Record Date at an issue price of
AU$0.13 per Share together with one Listed Option (OptionASX: IVZOA) for every two Shares subscribed for and issued.

MacMillan said that Based on the capital structure of the Company approximately 117,204,164 Shares and 58,602,082 IVZOA Options may be issued under the Offer to raise up to $15,236,541(before costs). Each option entitles the holder to subscribe for one Share upon exercise of the Option at an exercise price of AU$0.20 with an expiry date of 7 June 2026.

He said the capital raised will fund a range of critical activities, Mukuyu2 well test, preparation for 3D seismic over the Mukuyu gas field and long lead items and preparation for a new high-impact exploration well following the completion of interpretation of recently acquired CB23 infill seismic survey.

“The Company is pleased to release details of its pro-rata non-renounceable entitlement offer following the recent Placement for sophisticated and institutional investors in December 2023.

“Interest in the Placement surpassed our initial target of $10 million, extending the capital raise to more than $15 million and the Company committed to extend the same terms to all shareholders via this Offer.

“Funds from the Offer will be invested in important ongoing operational activity at our Cabora Bassa project including well testing at Mukuyu2, where we declared two material gas discoveries in the Upper and Lower Angwa targets last month.

“These discoveries are transformational for the Company, for the onshore oil and gas sector and for Southern African communities that continue to live in the grip of energy shortages.

“Preparation for 3D seismic surveying over Mukuyu2 will be carried out as well as ordering long lead items, planning and preparation for a new high impact exploration well within our commanding 360,000ha project area,” MacMillan said.

RioZim LTI decreases 25 percent 

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RioZim LTI decreases 25 percent 
As part of its efforts to achieve zero harm, Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed diversified mining company RioZim recorded a 25 per cent decrease in lost time injuries (LTI) during the financial 2022, compared to the previous year.
Rudairo Mapuranga
During the period, the group recorded 9 LTI compared to 12 in the prior year.
The Group however recorded 2 fatalities with the first employee involved in a road traffic accident whilst on duty at Cam and Motor Mine in Kadoma, sustained injuries which resulted in a fatality. The second death occurred at Dalny open Pit when an employee slipped and drowned whilst working on a dewatering pump.
According to RioZim continuous efforts through pre-task risk assessments, HSE interactions and inspections, trainings and reviewing safe work procedures are being made to ensure a safe workplace in an effort to ensure that the ground adhere to it’s Emergency Preparedness Plan.
“The Renco Mine Rescue Team participated in the South Zone Chamber of Mines Mandatory Trainng Exercise at Mimosa Mine and the Chamber of Mines Nationa Mine Rescue Competitions at Jena Mnes during the period under revew,” the group said through its 2022 financial report.
According to the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe’s state of mining industry, a survey report which was presented on the sidelines of the 26th edition of the mining, engineering and transport expo (MineEntra) 2023 in Bulawayo by lead researcher Professor Albert Makochekanwa large-scale mines recorded 20 fatalities from 20 accidents which are 18 per cent of the total fatalities with 16 of the fatalities happening underground and 4 on the surface.
The report reads that 60 per cent of the fatalities (72) recorded during the period were reported on Small to medium-scale mines from 66 accidents with 62 of the accidents happening underground and 4 on the surface. Illegal operations recorded 28 fatalities from 24 accidents with 23 of the accidents happening underground and 1 on surface.
According to the report, 92 percent of accidents (101) were recorded underground with 8 percent (9) reported on the surface.

RioZim continues to seek other financial backing for 2 800MW Sengwa Power Station 

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RioZim continues to seek other financial backing for 2 800MW Sengwa Power Station 
Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed diversified mining company RioZim said it has been committed to engaging various stakeholders for potential partnership on its 2800 MW coal-fired plant, Sengwa Power Station.
Rudairo Mapuranga
The project which had secured funding from China was left stranded after the Asian country pulled back from financing the thermal power project as part of its efforts to curb future carbon emissions.
“The Company continued its engagements with various stakeholders during the year for potential partnerships on this project and our stakeholders will be informed on any further developments,” RioZim said in a statement.
Plans for the multi-billion dollar Sengwa power plant involve more than doubling the country’s current electricity capacity and will help mitigate the Power crisis as the country’s Power uptake increases due to Mining growth.
Earlier this year, RioZim said it is optimistic about reaching financial closure for its 178 megawatts (WM) solar projects after the group resumed engagements with various potential funding partners.
The solar plants will supply electricity to Rio Zim’s mines namely Renco, Cam and Motor and Dalny.
Power supply has remained a major threat to the Group’s operations and the business has been focusing on backup power generators across the mines albeit at a significantly high operating cost.
The Sengwa coal deposit is situated in North Western Zimbabwe, with proven ore reserves of over 525 million tonnes.
The RioZim power station project is based on a coal resource of 1,3 billion tonnes, capable of generating up to 3 000MW of power, almost above  Zimbabwe’s total installed capacity.

President Hakainde Hichilema to deliver a keynote address at Mining Indaba 2024

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President Hakainde Hichilema to deliver a keynote address at Mining Indaba 2024

Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema is set to deliver a keynote address at Investing in African Mining Indaba 2024, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to revitalising his country’s mining sector and delivering jobs and economic growth to the people of Zambia.

This will be Hichilema’s second appearance at Mining Indaba as President, having delivered a keynote address in May 2022, shortly after his landslide election victory in 2021.

Since this historic election, President Hichilema has made quick progress towards achieving his objectives, implementing several measures to revitalise the mining sector in Zambia. Already the seventh largest copper producer in the world, Hichilema has set out to advance Zambia’s ranking with an ambitious goal of expanding copper production from 800,000 tonnes per year currently to around 3 million tonnes of copper by 2030.

Under Hichilema’s leadership, the government of Zambia has reviewed the mining tax framework, ensuring a stable and competitive taxation system while eliminating double taxation. Furthermore, President Hichilema has personally spearheaded efforts to attract investment along the mining value chain, exemplified by the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Democratic Republic of Congo to build a regional value chain for electric vehicle batteries. These initiatives have already yielded positive results, with major mining groups reinvesting in Zambia and the country’s copper opportunities gaining renewed interest from global players.

During his keynote at Mining Indaba, the President is expected to delve into the future of mining in Zambia, outlining his plans to expand copper production and position the country as a major player in the global mining industry. He will also address efforts for Zambian mining to expand into a wider array of critical minerals including cobalt, nickel and manganese. Furthermore, Hichilema’s speech will explore the potential for collaboration between the government, industry stakeholders, and investors, highlighting the need for partnerships to drive innovation and maximise the sector’s socio-economic benefits.

Just two years into Hichilema’s presidency, there have already been numerous positive developments in Zambia’s mining industry. Since 2019, Barrick’s Lumwana mine has contributed nearly US$3 billion in taxes, royalties, and local employment. In October 2023, the company made clear its support for the Zambian economy by announcing it will invest almost $2 billion to expand Lumwana and increase its annual production to an estimated 240,000 tonnes of copper. This will elevate a once unprofitable operation into one of the world’s foremost copper production facilities.

Similarly, a $100 million investment by First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has successfully brought the Enterprise Nickel Mine – Africa’s largest nickel producer – online. Meanwhile, FQM’s $1.25 billion expansion to its Kanshansi Copper Mine – announced at the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2022 – is expected to create nearly 2,000 jobs in Zambia.

Hichilema’s visionary and steadfast leadership has also encouraged new players to make their mark in Zambia. California-based Kobold Metals, which is backed by tech titans including Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, is working to start producing copper and cobalt at its project in Zambia. The company has so far invested $150 million to accelerate its search for high-quality metal deposits located in the famous Copperbelt.

Other newcomers include Abu Dhabi’s International Resources, who in December 2023 announced a $1.1 billion investment in Mopani Copper Mines, funding the mine’s expansion plan and increasing copper production to 200,000 tons in the next three years.

President Hichilema’s leadership has galvanised not just the mining industry but also related industries that provide much needed infrastructure and support to the extractives sector. On 26 October, his government signed a memorandum of understanding with the United States and European Union to develop the Lobito Corridor and build a new Zambia-Lobito rail line. This includes a $250 million investment by the United States and will deliver an enormous boost to intra-regional trade, as well as stimulating growth and job creation within Zambia.

Mining Indaba 2024’s theme is ‘Embracing the power of positive disruption: A bold new future for African Mining’. Zambia’s re-emergence as a top investment destination of choice for mining investors demonstrates that positive disruption can deliver positive results and Mining Indaba is excited to provide opportunities to understand the country’s successes and processes for achieving this.

About the Investing in African Mining Indaba

Investing in African Mining Indaba is the largest mining investment event in Africa. With a proven track record of bringing together Ministers, senior Government representatives, Mining Companies – Major, Mid and Junior Miners, Investors, professional services as well as mining equipment and service providers, Mining Indaba is the place to meet everybody who’s anybody in the African and global mining industry.

It is the must-attend event that drives the mining industry forward and provides attendees with unmatched access to the entire value chain and the most influential players in African mining for four days of high-quality content, deal-making and networking opportunities.

What government should do to address artisanal mining accidents

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In recent weeks Artisanal mining in Zimbabwe has been in the spotlight with calls to ban the practice from some quarters of the country.

Redwing mine in Penhalonga had 15 miners trapped for three days and luckily all escaped alive. Days ago two miners were reported trapped underground in Kwekwe with rescuers labelling the chances of the two making it out alive, futile. In October, 30 miners were trapped underground at Bayhorse Mine in Chegutu and sad scenes of relatives weeping seeing their loved one’s bodies being retrieved memories remain stuck in our memories.

All these accidents were attributed mainly to soft ground due to heavy rains and the horrendous practice of “pillar robbing”.

Pillar robbing is described in ASM mining as the practice of destroying “pillars” that support underground tunnels to extract visible gold from the “Pillars”.

The new Minister of Mines and Mining Development Hon Zhemu Soda jumped to action and visited the Redwing accident site till all 15 emerged from under the belly of the earth. He then called for a press conference and cautioned miners to practice safe mining. He encouraged miners from flood-prone areas to suspend operations as they risked becoming statics in the list of miners dying from collapsing shafts. The Minister also said the Ministry was to roll out training for ASMiners to encourage safe mining.

Whilst there is considerable action from the Ministry to address artisanal mining accidents in Zimbabwe, the government should consider implementing the following measures:

Strengthen Safety Regulations

The government should establish comprehensive safety regulations specifically tailored to artisanal mining operations. These regulations should address issues such as using proper protective gear, adherence to safety standards for equipment and machinery, and regular inspection of mining sites to ensure compliance. However, this can only be possible if the parent Ministry is fully capacitated. The Kadoma office for example should be made into a fully independent mines office with its own Mining Commissioner and have teams that can also be dispatched to enforce safety regulations.

Increase Awareness and Training

The government should launch awareness campaigns to educate artisanal miners about the potential risks associated with their work and provide training on safety practices. This could include workshops, training programs, and information campaigns to reach a larger audience. Short compulsory training should be introduced in the main languages of Shona, Ndebele and the government should introduce a law making this compulsory for general workers of any mine. The government must also consider introducing basic mining into the school curriculum. It is commendable that Minister Soda Zhemu has promised the rolling out of safety training for artisanal and small-scale miners aimed at preventing accidents.

Mining is part and parcel of our direct, indirect daily lives and will be for decades if not centuries. The government should prepare future generations for sustainable mining.

It is important to note that currently, Zimbabwe is not in a position to stop any legal mining as it is a major contributor to the fiscus!

Enhance Monitoring and Enforcement

One thing I have always said is the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development must be fully allocated the funds it requests from the Finance Ministry.

This makes it easier to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of safety regulations. This includes conducting regular visits to mining sites to ensure compliance with safety standards, imposing penalties for non-compliance, and shutting down hazardous operations that repeatedly fail to adhere to safety measures. However, with the Ministry being underfunded for the past years, some of the blame placed on the Ministry becomes illogical. For example, the Chinhoyi Mines office reportedly has around eleven thousand new title applications yet the provincial office has only two vehicles. As a sector which is a leading horse in Zimbabwe’s Economic Development, more effort needs to go towards capacitation. Ministry staff reportedly visit and process an average of seven mining locations a day meaning even for the hardest workers it is an extremely tall order. As long as the Ministry doesn’t get the funds it deems necessary to run efficient operations, there won’t be much it can do except react after tragedy strikes.

The Ministry of Mines is in charge of the goose that lays the golden egg, it needs the best resources to take care of the goose so that we enjoy the benefits that the goose produces.

Provide Support for Formalization

The government must encourage and support the formalization of artisanal mining operations. Informal mining always lacks proper safety protocols due to limited resources and knowledge. By assisting miners in registering their operations, the government can ensure access to better safety practices and introduction of supportive measures that reduce accidents. Getting a licence should take a maximum of three months to avoid the temptation of illegal mining. The Cadastre should also be sped up as it will as play a vital role in the formalisation of artisanal and small-scale mining.

Promote Technological Solutions

The government should explore technological solutions to improve safety in artisanal mining. For instance, introducing affordable and efficient equipment like small-scale drilling machines or personal gas detectors can help minimize accidents and improve overall safety conditions.

Establish Emergency Response Systems

Set up dedicated emergency response systems specifically tailored to artisanal mining accidents. This includes establishing proper communication channels, ensuring the availability of medical facilities, and training emergency responders to handle mining-related incidents swiftly and effectively. These can be created through big organisations such as the Zimbabwe Miners Federations (ZMF). The teams can be trained by the Mine Rescue Association of Zimbabwe (MRAZ). Several organisations claim to stand for safety in the ASM industry however they are almost nowhere to be seen in times of tragedy.

Engage and Partner with Stakeholders

The government should collaborate with key stakeholders, such as ZMF, the Chamber of Mines, industry experts, the Mines Portfolio Committee and NGOs such as ZELA, to develop holistic approaches to address safety concerns. Involving these stakeholders in policy-making and implementation processes will enhance the effectiveness, ownership, and sustainability of interventions. It is highly commendable that the new Minister has an open-door policy and should he continue on this trajectory we may see safety improvement in the sector.

Conduct Research and Knowledge Sharing

The Government should encourage research on artisanal mining accidents and foster knowledge-sharing platforms to exchange best practices and lessons learned. This can help inform policy decisions and facilitate the adoption of innovative safety measures in the sector.

Like it or not, Artisanal mining is here to stay. The best the country can do for now is work on ensuring it is done safely and sustainably. Most men and women embarking on the trade desperately to make a living and in doing so may not take precautions to ensure their safety and others. The government must jump in and enforce laws to guarantee the safety of our precious Zimbabwe Artisanal Miners’ Lives.

By implementing these measures, the Zimbabwean government can effectively reduce the occurrence of artisanal mining accidents and protect the lives and well-being of artisanal miners.

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