Home Blog Page 266

Shamva Mine Production Increases by Over 30%

Mining
-
0
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

Mining
-
0
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.

Zimbabwe gold buying prices per gram 26 July 2024

Mining
-
0
Zimbabwe gold buying prices per gram 26 July 2024

Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) official gold buying prices/ gram. See the Zimbabwe gold buying prices per gram today 26 July 2024.

SG 90% and ABOVE US$71.83/g
SG ABOVE 85% BUT BELOW 90% US$71.06g
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$70.30/g
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$69.54/g
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$38.40g

Fire Assay CASH $72.21/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.

Prospect Shifts Focus to Copper with Mumbezhi Project Acquisition

Mining
-
0
Prospect Shifts Focus to Copper with Mumbezhi Project Acquisition

Australia Stock Exchange-listed mining and exploration company Prospect Resources has announced a strategic shift towards copper exploration and development, highlighted by the acquisition of the Mumbezhi Copper Project in Zambia. The company also reported promising results from its lithium projects.

By Patricia Rwafa

The acquisition of an 85% interest in the Mumbezhi Copper Project, located in the highly prospective Zambian Copperbelt, marks a significant step forward for Prospect as it expands its focus on copper project development in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Validation of historical drilling data at the project has yielded impressive copper intercepts, fueling optimism about the project’s potential. Significant intersections from the validated data included:

– 38.0m @ 0.87% Cu from 101.0m and 32.0m @ 0.68% Cu from 159.0m (NYDD058)
– 32.0m @ 0.87% Cu from 353.0m and 28.1m @ 0.79% Cu from 103.0m (NYDD062)
– 20.0m @ 1.08% Cu from 27.0m (NYDD054)
– 17.0m @ 1.03% Cu from 29.0m (NYDD055)

Prospect Resources has commenced a maiden drilling program comprising approximately 30 holes of reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drilling for a total of about 7,000m, targeting mineral resource definition and extensional growth at the Nyungu Central deposit.

The company has also initiated an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) of the project for submission to the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) in late 2024, which will support an application for a mining lease in early 2025. They aim to declare a maiden JORC-reportable copper mineral resource and associated scoping study for Mumbezhi (Nyungu deposits) within the first half of 2025.

Prospect also owns the Step Aside Lithium Project in Zimbabwe which is located 35km from Harare (and approximately 8km north of the Arcadia Lithium Mine Project). It comprises approximately 100 hectares of claim within the Harare Greenstone Belt.

20 Years of Delay in Amending Mining Laws Exacerbates Conflict Challenges – Mudenda

Mining
-
0
20 Years of Delay in Amending Mining Laws Exacerbates Conflict Challenges – Mudenda

The Speaker of the Parliament of Zimbabwe, Hon. Jacob Mudenda, has asserted that the two-decade delay in amending the Mines and Minerals Act has intensified the conflict challenges experienced by stakeholders in the industry.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Hon. Mudenda stated that the delay in updating mining laws has led to increased conflict, particularly where small-scale miners are not recognized despite their significant contribution to the country’s GDP.

“The 20 years of delay in reviewing the mining law has exacerbated the conflict challenges being experienced by the stakeholders in the mining sector, such as the non-recognition of small-scale miners as an integral part of the mining sector,” Hon. Mudenda said.

The Speaker of Parliament also highlighted that the prolonged delay has contributed to challenges related to disputes over boundaries, balancing rights between miners and other land users, and the inclusion of key stakeholders.

“Delays in resolving disputes over mine boundaries and ownership, balancing rights between miners and other land surface users such as farmers, environmentalists, and wildlife conservancies; inclusion of key stakeholders in the Mining Affairs Board, particularly those affected by mining operations such as coterminous communities; and sustainable environmental mining practices which should guarantee the safety and health of miners as well as the conservation of the environment,” Mudenda elaborated.

He further noted that the delay in amending the Mines and Minerals Act has hindered the implementation of the cadastre system.

“The non-use of a computerized cadastre system in the registration of mining titles, and curbing of illicit financial flows from the mining sector,” he added.

According to Hon. Mudenda, he hopes to ensure that the mining laws will be aligned with African and international standards on responsible mining.

“Consequently, it is my hope that the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill will be aligned to regional and international agreements such as the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework, the Africa Mining Vision, and the SADC Protocol on Mining. In the same vein, I urge the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to also assiduously finalize the long-overdue Minerals Development Policy which should underpin the architecture of future mining legislation,” he concluded.

Six International Workers’ Unions to Grace ZDAMWU Congress

Mining
-
0
Six International Workers’ Unions to Grace ZDAMWU Congress

Six international workers’ unions are set to attend the Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) Congress to show support and solidarity for the plight of mine workers in Zimbabwe, ZDAMWU General Secretary Justice Chinhema has said.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

According to Chinhema, preparations for the Congress are ongoing, and 250 members of the Union from all mines in Zimbabwe have already confirmed their attendance.

Chinhema said the Mine Workers Union of Zambia, National Union of Mineworkers from South Africa, Ghana Mine Workers Union, Egypt Mine Workers Union, and IndustriAll Global Union will grace the event, each bringing two representatives.

“Preparations for the Congress are ongoing, and we can confirm that 250 members of the Union from all mines will attend. We will also have the following unions represented by their President and General Secretary:

1. Mine Workers Union of Zambia
2. National Union of Mineworkers – South Africa
3. Namibia Mine Workers Union
4. Botswana Mine Workers Union
5. Ghana Mine Workers Union
6. Egypt Mine Workers Union
7. IndustriAll Global Union

Each of the above unions is sending two representatives,” Chinhema said.

According to Chinhema, ZDAMWU has invited the Ministry of Labour to be the guest of honour at the event, having already written a letter to the Ministry.

He said the Mayor of Bulawayo, where the Congress will take place, is also expected to attend and grace the event.

“We have invited the Minister of Labour, who generally will be the guest of honour – they are yet to respond. We have invited the Mayor of Bulawayo. Dr. Kanyenze is coming to make a presentation on the Compensation Framework for Loss of Pension Value,” he said.

Chinhema said ZDAMWU was seeking partnerships with any organization that provides services to mine workers in Zimbabwe.

“We are also seeking partnerships with any organization that provides services to mine workers,” he said.

The 2nd Congress for the Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union will be held from August 29-31, 2024, in Bulawayo at KHUMALO HOTEL under the theme, “PROMOTING INCLUSIVE BUILDING UNION POWER TOWARDS UNLOCKING JOB SECURITY AND TRANSFORMATION.”

Mining Industry Workers Get Reprieve, but the War Over Wages Is Yet to Be Won

Mining
-
0
Mining Industry Workers Get Reprieve, but the War Over Wages Is Yet to Be Won

Local mine workers received a reprieve last week as the High Court nullified the National Employment Council (NEC) Mining Industry Constitution in a landmark ruling that stated the council’s agreement on salaries and wages was null and void.

By Ryan Chigoche

The news was received across the mining sector with much jubilation as it allows workers to bargain for higher salaries. However, it is a battle won, with the war far from being over.

Representatives of the mining workers argued that there were no consultations with other sector trade unions, which were excluded from the decision-making process dominated by the Associated Mine Workers Union of Zimbabwe (amwuz). The latter has long been accused of sidelining submissions from other trade unions, as they have always aligned with the NEC.

The collective bargaining agreement for the compensation rates for the year 2024 was reached on June 18 of this year, and the now-void constitution was signed on February 26. According to the now-nullified compensation rate document, the highest-paying grade in the mining business would get US$535, while the lowest salary to be paid in US dollars would be US$230.

The mining industry NEC published the proposed structure in March of this year, which impacted employees in grades 1 through 13. The Zimbabwean Chamber of Mines and the Associated Mine Workers Union of Zimbabwe agreed with the NEC’s suggested structure.

The increment as per the NEC circular was just a mere US$14 for the period that extends from January 1 to December 31, 2024, despite the sector wages having been last reviewed in March 2023.

The salary increment fell short of the Poverty Datum Line, which currently stands at US$575 as the cost of goods and services has been on the rise in Zimbabwe, despite the introduction of a new currency—a trend that accelerated at the beginning of 2024.

Mine workers, who argue that their interests were not represented in the talks, are holding out for a minimum wage of US$600, all payable in US dollars, calling on individual companies to pay their workers realistic wages.

Following this latest ruling, it remains to be seen whether the NEC will be forced to go back to the negotiation table and offer more realistic wages in line with the expectations of the mine workers, resulting in a win of the war for the former.

Low wages in Zimbabwe’s mining sector have been a persistent issue, despite the massive wealth the industry generates.

When global prices for key minerals like gold, platinum, and diamonds decline, mining companies often cut costs, including workers’ wages, to maintain profitability. However, when the prices firm, wages are not immediately reviewed. This cost-cutting persists even though the sector produces significant wealth, leading to a stark disparity between the industry’s earnings and the compensation received by its workforce. Consequently, miners, who play a crucial role in extracting valuable resources, frequently face financial hardships, highlighting a broader issue of inequitable wealth distribution within the sector.

The mining sector accounts for about 15% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and 80% of national exports. Gold dominates as Zimbabwe’s single biggest export, accounting for 24%, followed by mineral mattes, an intermediate product (including the large exports of platinum group metals), accounting for 18.3% of the total value of goods exported.

Zimbabwe gold buying prices per gram 25 July 2024

Mining
-
0
Zimbabwe gold buying prices per gram 25 July 2024

Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) official gold buying prices/ gram. See the Zimbabwe gold buying prices per gram today 25 July 2024.

SG 90% and ABOVE US$73.56/g
SG ABOVE 85% BUT BELOW 90% US$72.79g
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$72.01/g
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$71.23/g
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$70.06g

Fire Assay CASH $73.95/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.

ZCDC Settles Outstanding Taxes After US$1.73 Million Penalty

Mining
-
0
ZCDC Settles Outstanding Taxes After US$1.73 Million Penalty

The Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) was hit with a US$1.73 million penalty for delays in settling its tax obligations to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).

By Patricia Rwafa

The company blamed cash flow problems for the late payments but has since reached an agreement with ZIMRA and obtained a tax clearance certificate for 2023.

Findings by Acting Auditor-General Rheah Kujinga in her Value for Money Audit Report on ZCDC audits for the year ending December 31, 2022, showed the big miner veered into ZIMRA’s crosshairs after failing to submit Transfer Pricing Returns, which were due on April 30, 2022.

According to the audit, ZCDC further fuelled ZIMRA’s pursuit of delinquency after failing to pay Value Added Tax and Income Tax on time.

Official reports showed this week that ZCDC was slapped with US$1.73 million in penalties after delaying the remittance of taxes two years ago.

Acting Auditor-General Rheah Kujinga said,

“The company’s bank accounts were garnished and the charge amounted to US$1.73 million and ZW$920 million for non-compliance. The company was not generating enough revenue during the year under review. As a result, it was not remitting Value Added Tax and Income Tax on time.”

ZCDC management confirmed the firm was navigating through a dire cash-flow crisis during the period but reached out to ZIMRA to present its case.

“The late payment of taxes during the year was mainly due to cash-flow challenges, which the company faced in 2022,” management said in response to the AG’s report. “However, during this period, management was engaging ZIMRA on a regular basis, through official payment plans for overdue taxes.”

The report noted that as a result of these engagements, the company was issued a tax clearance certificate for the full year of 2023.

ZINIRE to Engage ASM on Reducing FoG Accidents

Mining
-
0
ZINIRE to Engage ASM on Reducing FoG Accidents

The Zimbabwe National Institute of Rock Engineering (ZINIRE) plans to engage with the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) to apply rock engineering solutions aimed at reducing Fall of Ground (FoG) accidents in the sector.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

FoG accidents account for 20% of all mining accidents in Zimbabwe occurring within the Artisanal and Small-scale mining (ASM) industry. This highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to address safety concerns in this sector.

Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe, ZINIRE President Renias Tirivabaya stated that his organization has identified a significant challenge within the ASM sector related to the lack of proper surveying. As a result, they plan to meet with the ZMF, the umbrella body representing millions in the ASM sector, for an engagement program to address FoG accidents.

“But one important thing is to have engagement. We are going to thoroughly pursue engagement with the small-scale mining community through the Zimbabwe Miners Federation so that they engage their members in applying the right principles in mining and practice.

“The challenge with small-scale miners is how they are mining. We have multiple pits on the same reef, which are not coordinated or surveyed, resulting in people mining into each other. This leads to incidents like the one the guest of honour mentioned, accounting for about 22% of the fatalities,” he said.

Tirivabaya also mentioned that ZINIRE would engage the Zimbabwe School of Mines to develop a program on shaft timbering for ASM.

“We also need to look at how we can assist them, mainly in shaft timbering, to protect the accesses. Many accidents are due to a lack of access after an incident, such as a shaft collapse. We are considering partnering with the School of Mines, which has started the Shaft Timbermen’s Diploma. However, we could also look at something less extensive, like an awareness campaign, to encourage miners to learn the basics of shaft timbering. This would help protect the accesses, which are a major cause of fatalities because people can’t be rescued if the accesses are not up to spec,” the ZINIRE President said.

1...265266267...760Page 266 of 760