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Bikita minerals complete construction of a 12MW solar plant

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Bikita minerals complete construction of a 12MW solar plant

Sinomine Resource Group-owned Bikita Minerals in an endeavour to mitigate electricity challenges in Zimbabwe at the same time while pushing towards a clean energy future in Zimbabwe has completed the construction of its 12MW solar plant.

Rudairo Mapuranga

Electricity problems are a major operating difficulty in Zimbabwe with mining firms reverting to importing and the use of alternative off-grip power like petroleum and solar.

According to Bikita Minerals Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) officer Collin Nikisi, the lithium miners completed the solar project and is in the process of constructing a 120KM Tokwe-Bikita powerline which will be commissioned by 31 March 2024.

“Bikita Minerals has successfully completed the construction of a 12MW Photovoltaic plant. The Lithium miner is also constructing the 120km Tokwe- Bikita powerline to be commissioned in the first quarter of 2024,” Nikisi said.

In 2022 Bikita Minerals won two awards in Responsible Investment and Social Impact Awards both at the South East Region and national levels cementing itself as one of the best Mines with a strong focus on CSR.

After the acquisition of Bikita Minerals in 2022, Sinomine drilled 7 boreholes in Bikita West and this year alone it has already drilled 26 boreholes in Masvingo North, Masvingo West and Bikita West. Plans are underway to drill an additional 10 in Bikita South and East. The communities have ventured into green gardening to generate income from the sale of produce.

Under the supervision of the Bikita Minerals CSR committee Chairperson who is also the company’s Managing Director Zhenhua Wang, Bikita Minerals has set up a tertiary scholarship fund to assist intelligent students from vulnerable/ poor families and established a football team in Division One which is currently vying for promotion into the Premier league.

The lithium producer has also set up a community development fund to assist with income-generating projects and pressing community development needs. The local chief and community administer the fund. The mine also distributes 65 tons of scouring powder/vim to the community to help them supplement their incomes.

According to Nikisi last year his company invested US$25 million into the 132/33 KVA power grid from Tokwe-Bikita. The powerline is meant to produce uninterrupted power to the Bikita, Gutu and Zaka communities.

He also said that his company was working towards constructing a new Birchnough bridge with experts from China already in the country for feasibility studies.

He continued by saying that his company has invested over US$0.5 million in road rehabilitation to ensure the growth and development of the communities where it is extracting lithium resources.

“In 2023 we invested USD 25 million into the 132/33 KVA power grid from Tokwe-Bikita. The powerline will ensure uninterrupted power supply to Bikita, Gutu and Zaka. We have set aside USD 2 million for the rural electrification of Bikita, Gutu and Zaka.

“We also started feasibility studies for the construction of a new Birchenough bridge. Construction experts from China are in the country tying down the loose ends.

“In China, there is a popular saying which says if you want to get rich construct roads. At Bikita we have spent more than USD 500 000 towards road maintenance and rehabilitation programs. We have rehabilitated the Nyika-Kamungoma Road, Beardmore-Rusununguko and Bikita-Gutu Road. The objective is to ensure easy access to clinics, schools, administration centres and shopping centres,” Collin Nikisi said.

Prospect  2,000m phase 4 diamond drilling at Step Aside commences this January

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Prospect  2,000m phase 4 diamond drilling at Step Aside commences this January

Australia stock exchange listed mining and exploration junior Prospect Resources has approved phase 4 drilling at the Step Aside lithium project in Goromonzi with proposed 2,000m diamond drilling set to commence this late January.

Rudairo Mapuranga

According to Prospect Resources, quarterly activities report for the quarter that ended 31 December 2023, the diamond drilling is targeting extensions at WinBin further south and following up on high-grade intersections at Pegmatite E.

The company’s Initial Phase 3 drilling programme produced outstanding results with discovery holes CDD055-056 delineating a new “WinBin” pegmatite discovery zone; the initial intercept returned 23.1m at 1.03% Li2O from 45m, including 11m @ 1.51% Li2O from 54m. Follow-up diamond drill hole CDD056 returned 33m @ 1.18% Li2O from 81m, including 24m @ 1.41% Li2O from 88m. An extended programme designed to further test the WinBin discovery was conducted during the quarter with a total of 44 holes drilled for approximately 5,100m drilled.

PROSPECT said Assay results received throughout the follow-up drill program from holes targeting the WinBin discovery returned excellent results of:
➢ 5.62m @ 1.48% Li2O (CDD053) from 69.38m and 6.68m @ 1.17% Li2O (CDD057)
from 37.05m.
➢ 20.0m @ 1.34% Li2O from 45m, incl. 6.0m @ 2.21% Li2O from 48m (CDD063)
➢ 12.0m @ 1.45% Li2O from 131m (CDD066)
➢ 8.0m @ 1.87% Li2O from 93m, incl. 4.0m @ 2.12% Li2O from 96m (CDD061)
➢ 8.46m @ 1.36% Li2O from 120.54m (CDD059)

The company said Follow-up results demonstrated that the mineralised feeder zone extends from WinBin through to an extension of Pegmatite C, open at depth and to the south and combining strike of cojoined mineralisation to approximately 580m.

According to Prospect Assay results for 10 holes remain outstanding and are scheduled for receipt in Q1 2024.

Kavango Resources focuses on becoming a key player in Zimbabwe

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Kavango Resources focuses on becoming a key player in Zimbabwe

London Stock Exchange-listed mining and exploration company Kavango Resources is upbeat to be a leading player in the Zimbabwe mining industry with the company establishing an office in Bulawayo to ensure its Hillside, Nara and Leopard gold projects become a success.

Rudairo Mapuranga

According to Kavango Chief Executive Officer, Ben Turney, the company is making huge strides on Hillside exploration work with 1,000m of diamond core drilling completed in four holes at three Hillside gold targets and samples awaiting export permission for assay testing.

Turney said there is enormous, unrealised potential in the goldfields of Zimbabwe. The country has a strong heritage in gold mining, despite the capital and technological constraints of recent years.
“Kavango has an ambitious plan in Zimbabwe to become a key player in the development of modern metals exploration and mining. Over the last six months, we’ve built a talented team on the ground in Bulawayo.

We are making excellent progress in exploring our project areas and I would like to congratulate everyone involved for their focused hard work. We’ve now completed our first 1,000m of diamond core drilling at Hillside and mapped the project area. Meanwhile, at Nara, we have augur drilled the main tailings dump and completed extensive mapping and soil geochemistry. Samples are waiting for export clearance and we look forward to reporting results as we receive them.

There is enormous, unrealised potential in the goldfields of Zimbabwe. The country has a strong heritage in gold mining, despite the capital and technological constraints of recent years. As we move forward together, I hope Kavango’s success will help illustrate what is possible in this exciting, heavily underexplored gold province.

To underline how great the potential is, we have extended our drill programme at Hillside to target a fourth prospect. The 250m diamond core hole will test the mineralised structures of a historic gold mine for their potential to host a larger-scale deposit. If results are positive, this will guide future drilling at this target area,” Turner said.
Hillside Drilling Extension

Kavango is testing the extent of gold mineralisation at the Prospect by drilling an exploration hole adjacent to a historic mine that reportedly produced an average recovered grade of 13g/t gold at various times from 1910 until recently.

Historic reports suggest mining was limited to the near-surface oxide zone, at shallow depths. The Prospect is considered by Kavango’s technical team to be a highly prospective greenstone gold target, located in a shear zone in granites and extending across the contact margin.

Kavango plans to drill a 250m diamond drill hole adjacent to the historic mine. The Company’s objective is to acquire representative intersections from the Prospect’s gold-bearing structures that will improve its understanding of their mineralisation and overall thickness.

Kavango expects to use this information to inform follow-up drilling at the Prospect and assess its potential for hosting bulk mineable gold deposits.
Nara Project

Kavango has carried out geochemical sampling and reconnaissance geological mapping over the Nara Gold Project. The Company has made a preliminary review of the geochemical samples using pXRF, and the soil samples are awaiting export to the laboratory for multi-element analysis.

In addition, Kavango has completed augur drilling on a large tailings dump at Nara. The Company has collected samples from 90 augur holes and sent them to the laboratory. Results are expected shortly. Assuming the results are positive, an independent consultant has been commissioned to prepare a resource estimate once these data are available.

Leopard Project

Kavango’s environmental consultant has completed an Environmental Impact Assessment on the Leopard Gold Project and Kavango is now preparing for an initial geochemical soil sampling programme.

The Company has reviewed the results of a previous drone survey and is currently processing and interpreting magnetic data.

27 small-scale miners graduate in mine rescue, first aid

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27 small-scale miners graduate in mine rescue, first aid

Zimbabwe Mining Safety Health and Environmental Council (ZIMSHEC) through its efforts to achieve zero harm in the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector sent 27 miners to be trained in both Mine Rescue services and first aid at Zimbabwe School of Mines with all graduating with two separate certificates.

Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) Midlands Chairperson and ZIMSHEC Director Makumba Nyenje said Miners from different districts in Midlands and Matabeleland namely, Gwanda, Felabusi, Mberengwa, Zishavane, Bubi were issued with First Aid and Mine Rescue Certificates from the Zimbabwe School of Mines.

“We sent a team of 27 miners to be trained in both Mine Rescue services and Mining First aid program at Zimbabwe School of Mines towards the end of 2022, they have all graduated with two separate certificates,” Nyenje said.The graduation ceremony was held in Zvishavane. Speaking at the ceremony the guest of honour Prof Jephius Matunhu said that, “The work of Artisanal Miners is not without its dangers, and it is through their unwavering dedication and resilience that they continue to make significant contributions to our nation’s economy. First aid and mine rescue are critically important aspects of mining operations, and the individuals being recognized today have demonstrated exceptional skill and courage in these areas.”

Mining fatalities increased by 30.2 per cent in 2023 to 237 from 212 accidents compared to 182 fatalities from 139 accidents in 2022.

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.

“The mining industry reported 110 fatal accidents during the period January to July 2023, compared to 106 fatal accidents during the same period last year. The 110 fatal accidents resulted in 120 fatalities. 92% of the accidents reported during the period under review occurred underground.

“Large-scale operations contributed 18% of total accidents reported in the period under review. Of the 20 accidents reported for large mines, 80% were in underground operations. Illegal mining operations contributed 22% to the total number of accounts. The small-scale mining industry contributed 60% to the total number of fatal accidents,” the report reads in part.

Mining Indaba 2024 explores the just energy transition and asks– What does it mean to be just?

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Mining Indaba 2024 explores the just energy transition and asks– What does it mean to be just?

The global energy transition is driving huge growth in the demand for critical minerals, which are found in abundance on the African continent. Mining Indaba’s Sustainability Series will ask what it means to be just in a panel session discussion titled ‘The Energy Transition: What does it mean to be just?’ on Tuesday 6 February at 10:55.

 

The discussion will centre around how Africa can take advantage of the energy transition to ensure a cleaner energy future, while at the same time considering responsible sourcing and sustained, ethical supplies of the critical minerals needed. Also under discussion will be how the continent can power the production of transition minerals while ensuring justice for employees affected through local content partnerships and the distribution of mining benefits.

 

The International Council of Mining and Metals (ICMM), a foundational partner to Mining Indaba, President & CEO, Rohitesh Dhawan notes that “Critical minerals are the backbone of the energy transition, but how we source and produce them is just as important as how much we need.”

 

Speakers for this all-important panel are Responsible Minerals Initiative Senior Director, Impact, Innovation and Credibility Fabiana Di Lorenzo, Newmont Senior Director, Environmental Affairs-Africa Business Unit Paul Sowley, Seriti Green Development South Africa CEO Peter Venn, The Particle Group & Women in Mining South Africa CEO and Chairperson Raksha Naidoo and Standard Bank South Africa Head of Sustainable Finance Sasha Cook. It will be moderated by Deloitte Partner – Sustainability, Climate Change and Equity, Jayne Mammatt.

 

“Our sustainability programme – now called the Sustainability Series – has been extended to two days. This is our response to the industry’s need to talk about sustainability at length. It is a driving factor for the mining industry and forms one of the most important programmes we offer in 2024. Our priority for this year is for our panellists to start engaging on real challenges in mining to find solutions – in other words, showcasing how they are disruptive in the industry so that other stakeholders can feel inspired and connected with these messages,” says Investing in Mining Indaba Head of Content, Laura Cornish.

 

Another key session taking place on the Disruptors stage, will look at how we can move beyond the standard discourse surrounding the Just Transition and challenge mining companies to explore ideas around community resilience more broadly and with greater consideration. The panel titled “The Silent ‘C’ – Communities! Are they truly part of the net-zero mining discussion?” will be held on Tuesday 6 February at 12:30. Attendees can expect robust conversations on innovative and future-forward approaches that place communities at the heart of net-zero discussions and explore the business case to be made for a net zero strategy for the mining sector that is inclusive, just and resilient.

 

Women in Mining UK Managing Director Stacy Hope will moderate this discussion, with speakers Ivanhoe Mines VP Sustainability Jasmine Abrahams, Exxaro Group Manager Social Impact Tebogo Leepile, Cobalt Institute Head of Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability, Susannah McLaren and Rio Tinto Environmental, Society and Governance Director-Simandou, Trina Gill.

 

It is without doubt that Africa has a large stock of green minerals that can facilitate the energy transition. What is key is understanding the steps needed to ensure that Africa will benefit from supplying these minerals to the world. For attendees looking to gain global insight on this issue, a session titled “How can African mineral producers participate in U.S. clean energy supply chains?” will be held on Wednesday 7 February at 16:40 on the Governments Stage. It will unpack the opportunities for African mineral producing countries to integrate into the U.S. clean energy industries – facilitated by recent climate-related legislation including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act.

 

The panel will draw on a recent report published by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace which will look at synergies between the United States’ objectives of developing new clean energy supply chains and reorienting its strategic relationship with African countries’ own long-held aspirations to industrialise and transform their economies by leveraging their mineral resources endowments. Leading this session will be Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Director Dr. Zainab Usman.

 

About 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, Mid and Junior Miners, Investors, professional services as well as mining equipment and service providers. Mining Indaba is the place to meet everybody who is 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. Investing in African Mining Indaba 2024 takes place in Cape Town from 5-8 February 2024.

Chipo Mtasa resigns from Zimplats board

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Chipo Mtasa resigns from Zimplats board

The country’s biggest platinum group metal (PGM) producer Zimplats, has announced that Mrs Chipo Mtasa has resigned as a non-executive director of the Company with effect from 8 January 2024.

Rudairo Mapuranga

According to Zimplats Mrs Mtasa served as the chairperson of the board’s audit and risk committee and was a member of the remuneration committee.

“The board of directors of Zimplats wish to announce that Mrs Chipo Mtasa (“Chipo”) has resigned as a non-executive director of the Company with effect from 8 January 2024.

“Chipo was elected as an independent non-executive director of the Company at the annual general meeting held on 28 October 2019. Chipo served as the chairperson of the board’s audit and risk committee and was a member of the remuneration committee.

“The board extends its sincere appreciation to Chipo for her valuable contribution to the Company during her period as a director of the Company and wishes her every success in the future,” Zimplats said.

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.

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