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Kuvimba Advances Talks with New Investors for Sandawana

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Kuvimba Advances Talks with New Investors for Sandawana

Kuvimba Mining House (KMH) is closing in on a partnership with new investors for the Sandawana lithium resource as they target to commence concentrate production by the end of next year.

By Patricia Rwafa

The company, which is under the Mutapa sovereign wealth fund, estimates it has a lithium ore resource of 38 million tonnes at Sandawana, sparking investor interest.

To develop the resources and build a processing plant, Kuvimba would need up to $300 million.

It was previously reported that the British company Cluff Resources was interested in the Sandawana resource, having already met with Kuvimba.

Speaking to the press ahead of a tour of its Freda Rebecca Mine, CEO Trevor Barnard said that talks with other investors are progressing rapidly.

“We are in advanced talks with potential investors for the project, but their identities are being kept confidential. We expect to start lithium concentrate production by the end of 2025,” he said.

Lithium prices fell by up to 80% from their 2022 peak, leaving many stalled projects in their wake. This also slowed down investment into new mines, including in Zimbabwe. To make itself more attractive to potential investors, Kuvimba is doing more exploration and expects to update to a lithium resource of 100 million tonnes.

The initial stage targets the production of 500,000 metric tons of spodumene concentrate, a key form of lithium.

Kuvimba recognizes the importance of PGMs, which include platinum and other valuable metals. To tap into this potential, Kuvimba is teaming up with multiple investors. By working with these investors, Kuvimba is making a strategic move to become a player in the PGM industry in Zimbabwe.

Kuvimba operates under four clusters: gold, bulk commodities, PGMs, and energy.

Under gold, the company operates the Shamva mine, which has produced 2.3 million ounces of gold over the years. Freda Rebecca Mine, a mechanized underground and open pit, is estimated to have about five more years of gold reserves. The company also operates Jena Mine.

Under bulk commodities, Kuvimba mines iron and chrome in large volumes, particularly across the Great Dyke region of Zimbabwe. To maximize production,

Premier African Minerals Installs Conditioning Tank

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Premier African Minerals Installs Conditioning Tank

London Stock Exchange-listed mining and exploration junior, Premier African Minerals, successfully installed conditioning tanks at its Zimbabwean mine on the 12th of July 2024. This key addition to the processing plant is expected to significantly boost the company’s output of spodumene concentrate, a vital component in lithium-ion batteries.

By Patricia Rwafa

A conditioning tank, though adding to the capital cost of the flotation circuit, has the potential to improve circuit control, reduce operating costs, and enhance process performance.

According to CEO George Roach, the conditioning tank, which is the final plant modification, is installed and will be commissioned this week according to the planned timelines.

The installation of the conditioning tank is complete, and commissioning is underway with the expectation that ore feed will commence today.

As per Premier’s announcements on 29 May 2024 and 18 June 2024, Premier confirms that the conditioning tank is now on site and largely installed, with commissioning, as originally expected, to be completed this week.

“While the plant can run continuously and produce spodumene concentrates at up to 50 tons per day during this commissioning phase, ongoing testing demonstrated that achieving recovery and acceptable SC6 grade would require a final modification to the spodumene float circuit. Profitable plant operations require concentration at grade. It was anticipated that the plant could run while the conditioning tank was being installed, but with no further advances in plant performance possible without this addition, it is logical to stop the float circuit now. This will expedite the necessary changes and preserve cash.

The civil construction to support this conditioner is expected to be completed by 10 June 2024, and assembly of the new components to commence soon after 20 June 2024. The target completion date is now 10 July 2024, and all efforts are focused on shortening this period,” stated the 29 May announcement.

Roach stated, “Premier is delighted to confirm further to our announcement earlier this week that this significant modification to the float circuit has been delivered, installed, and is now operational on time. This unit is expected to significantly increase the recovery of spodumene, and Premier anticipates seeing a substantial increase in production of spodumene concentrate from the flotation circuit.”

ZMF Condemns Chinese Mine supervisor for torturing workers

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ZMF Condemns Chinese Mine supervisor for torturing workers

The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) has strongly condemned the actions of a Chinese supervisor at Makanga Mine in Bindura for grossly mistreating workers.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The condemnation comes after a disturbing video circulating on social media, purportedly showing two Zimbabwean workers being tortured by a Chinese supervisor who tied their hands to a front-end loader dish which the Chinese supervisors slowly raised, dangling the workers by a right and a left hand from an unspecified height. The other Chinese supervisor directed his companion in the heinous barbaric despicable act.

According to the ZMF Information Desk, “The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) is incensed and appalled by the vile and savage attack on a Zimbabwean mine worker by a Chinese boss at Makanga Mine in Bindura. The shocking footage circulating shows the worker being subjected to cruel and inhumane treatment, tied up and hanged from a loader bucket like an animal.

“This barbaric act is a blatant violation of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which guarantees the right to personal security and freedom from torture or cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment or punishment (Section 53(1)). We will not stand idly while our members are subjected to such egregious abuse.

“ZMF vehemently condemns this despicable act and demands:

– The immediate arrest and prosecution of the Chinese boss responsible.
– A thorough investigation into the mine’s labour practices and swift action against any violations.
– Adequate support and compensation for the victim.

“We will not tolerate such blatant disregard for human rights and the rule of law! ZMF stands in solidarity with the victim and will fight tirelessly to ensure justice is served.”

Background

The incident, captured on video, reveals the Chinese boss at Makanga Mine brutally torturing a Zimbabwean worker accused of stealing diesel. The worker was tied up and hanged from a loader bucket, with other workers watching in horror. This brutal act has sparked widespread outrage and calls for immediate action, including the arrest and prosecution of the Chinese supervisor involved.

The video has ignited a wave of condemnation from various sectors, emphasizing the need for strict enforcement of labour rights and human dignity.

The ZMF’s call for justice underscores the urgent need to address worker mistreatment in the mining sector and ensure that such incidents are never repeated.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on the authorities to see how they will respond to this blatant violation of human rights at Makanga Mine. SEE the video below

Zimbabwe gold buying prices per gram 13 July 2024

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Zimbabwe gold buying prices per gram 13 July 2024

Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) official gold buying prices/ gram. See the Zimbabwe gold buying prices per gram today 13 July 2024.

SG 90% and ABOVE US$73.12/g
SG ABOVE 85% BUT BELOW 90% US$72.35g
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$71.57/g
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$70.80/g
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$69.64g

Fire Assay CASH $73.51/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.

Government to Unveil US$10 Million fund for Chrome and Gemstone Miners

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Government to Unveil US$10 Million fund for Chrome and Gemstone Miners

In an effort to promote the chrome and gemstone Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASM) in Zimbabwe, the government will unveil a US$10 million funding scheme to boost production and ensure responsible mining, the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Hon. Winston Chitando announced.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking at the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) AGM and Conference held at Hippodrome in Braeside, Harare, Minister Chitando announced that President Emmerson Mnangagwa will unveil a US$10 million facility fund for the non-gold ASM sector in September.

“Firstly, before the end of September, there will be an initial US$10 million facility specifically for equipping non-gold production. This facility is designed for miners, including those in the chrome and gemstone sectors. It will be launched by His Excellency, the President, on the day it is announced. All the mechanisms have been concluded, and we are just finalizing a few details before it goes to His Excellency,” Chitando said.

Minister Chitando emphasized that for chrome miners specifically, this facility means they can apply for funds to equip their operations. However, the launch of this facility will come with some rules and policies.

“One key rule is that all chrome ores cannot be traded freely. If you have chrome and want to sell it to a company, particularly those known for smelters, you must inform us.

“In some cases, miners are being undercut or eliminated by unfair practices, which is unacceptable. Therefore, a mechanism will be put in place to ensure that if you are a miner, you can only sell chrome ores with the transaction overseen by the MMCZ (Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe),” he said.

According to the Minister of Mines, the physical ores do not have to go to the MMCZ.

“We do not want to create any protests. If the ore is at your mine and you normally sell it to a buyer, your paperwork must go to the MMCZ before the buyer can move it. The MMCZ will confirm that you are being paid fairly. Once confirmed, you can proceed with the transaction,” Chitando said.

This mechanism serves as a legal safeguard against fraud and is there to protect chrome miners.

Chrome miners have been crying foul of predatory chrome buyers who were purchasing ores with over 40 per cent chrome content at less than US$25, leaving miners in abject poverty.

Gvt Relaxes Lithium Beneficiation Plans Submissions as Producers Miss the Second Deadline

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Gvt Relaxes Lithium Beneficiation Plans Submissions as Producers Miss the Second Deadline

The government of Zimbabwe has relaxed its deadline for lithium producers to submit beneficiation plans as only three companies have so far submitted their plans.

By Ryan Chigoche

The initial deadline for the submission of the beneficiation plan was March 31 this year. Still, the government had to extend it as the miners requested more time from the Ministry of Mines to consult their head offices, which are outside the country. They also stated that they needed more time to come up with annual budgets that incorporate beneficiation.

Before the beneficiation directive, lithium miners were producing lithium concentrate, but the government seeks to tap into substantial mineral revenue that can be earned from the production of battery-grade lithium, tapping into growing demand for the clean energy mineral.

Currently, the value chain is lithium ores, and the government has banned the export of lithium ores as the country now has sufficient concentration capacity where lithium ores can be concentrated to export lithium concentrate.

Speaking on the sidelines of an event in the capital today, Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando said they have now called all lithium producers for the amendment of the lithium sulfate facilities in the country, which will see the ban on exporting lithium concentrate.

“The lithium value chain starts with ores. Then, after that, you go into concentrate. After that, you go into lithium sulfate. Or lithium hydroxide, whichever way. And there is the next level where you are now ready to go into battery making or the manufacturing of certain consumables.”

“Now, the government has called on all the lithium companies to say, we want an amendment for the establishment of lithium sulfate facilities. Now, instead of sending the concentrate outside, we will now be upgrading them to lithium sulfate as a minimum investment. That will take time. While that is happening, the concentrates are being shipped,” Chitando said.

ZMF Creates ASM Tailor-Made ESG Strategy

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ZMF Creates ASM Tailor-Made ESG Strategy

In an endeavour to achieve sustainable and responsible mining within the Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) sector, the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) has created an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy tailor-made for the country’s ASM industry.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking at the ZMF AGM and Conference held at the Hippodrome in Braeside, Harare on Friday, which ran under the theme “Sustainable Mining: A Catalyst Towards National Development,” ZMF President Ms Henrietta Rushwaya stated that her organization has heeded the government’s call and international standards to prioritize responsible mining. This measure respects human rights, delivers safe conditions for personnel and communities, and minimizes environmental impacts.

“The government of Zimbabwe early last year, through President H.E. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, initiated the Responsible Mining Audit to promote responsible and compliant mining activities in the country. This measure ensures that mining activities are carried out responsibly and per international and the country’s legal framework.

“There is a need for precautionary measures to ensure the safety of miners and the preservation of the environment,” Rushwaya said.

The ZMF president noted the government’s endeavour to achieve 40 tonnes of gold deliveries to the Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) and urged the ASM sector to prioritize responsible mining practices.

“As small-scale miners, we need to take precautionary measures at our sites, ensure that our shafts are collared and covered, and encourage proper drainage systems to capture flowing water,” she said.

Rushwaya emphasized that in adhering to responsible mining, the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) will employ a multidisciplinary approach. This includes integrating disciplines in planning, operating, resource marketing/selling, and closing mines following international best practices.

“To achieve the responsible mining pledge, the ASM in Zimbabwe will have an environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy tailor-made for the country’s ASM sector,” she said.

According to Rushwaya, the ZMF believes in environmental safety. Therefore, issues such as decarbonization, water stewardship, climate action, energy efficiency, and human dignity in the mining industry will be prioritized.

“While the issue of decarbonization is rarely a result of ASM operations, we believe that the use of solar energy in ASM operations will significantly impact the decarbonization agenda.

“The management of water also poses several growing risks for the stability of mining. We believe that using less water, recycling as much as possible, and ensuring water is uncontaminated will safeguard the environment from water-related challenges caused by scarcity and contamination,” Rushwaya said.

ZMF believes that responsible mining leads to responsible sourcing. As a result, ZMF will ensure that minerals are sourced responsibly, considering the impact of mining and its extensive value chain—from the environmental impact and carbon footprint to social and human rights issues.

Responsible sourcing is already high on the European Union (EU) agenda. Its RE-SOURCING project, funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, is developing roadmaps for critical sectors and contributing to future policies.

Responsible Mining Audit in Zimbabwe

Between May and June last year, the government of Zimbabwe conducted a Responsible Mining Audit to establish if mining companies were complying with requirements relating to submitting production returns as required by law.

“Finally, we thank the government for establishing a framework that fosters responsible mining practices while guaranteeing the well-being of the communities and environments where mining activities are taking place,” Rushwaya concluded.

Zimbabwe gold buying prices per gram 12 July 2024

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Zimbabwe gold buying prices per gram 12 July 2024

Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) official gold buying prices/ gram. See the Zimbabwe gold buying prices per gram today 12 July 2024.

SG 90% and ABOVE US$73.19/g
SG ABOVE 85% BUT BELOW 90% US$72.42g
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$71.64/g
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$70.87/g
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$69.71g

Fire Assay CASH $73.58/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.

KMC’s Phase 2 Processing Plant Commissioning Moved to September

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KMC’s Phase 2 Processing Plant Commissioning Moved to September

The commissioning of the Kamativi Mining Company (KMC)’s Phase Two processing plant has been rescheduled to September from the initial schedule of July 2024, according to a press release seen by Mining Zimbabwe.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The 300,000-tonne spodumene concentrate per annum processing plant was initially slated for completion in July.

KMC cited challenges in meeting its ambitious timelines as the reason for the delay.

“Construction of the Kamativi Mining Company’s Phase Two processing plant is making headway, with completion now scheduled for September 2024. KMC had initially projected to complete Phase Two construction by June 2024, with a trial run set for July 2024,” KMC stated.

The company encountered an unforeseen change in maritime transport, leading to a delay in the installation process, highlighting the unpredictable nature of logistics.

“While we had not anticipated delays in the final stages of Phase Two construction, we encountered an unforeseen change in maritime transport, leading to a slight delay in the installation process. We have therefore deferred Phase Two commissioning to September 2024,” KMC explained.

Following construction, the commissioning phase involves rigorous testing and verification of the processing plant’s systems, machinery, and processes to ensure they function as intended before operationalizing the Phase Two spodumene plant.

“Thereafter, we anticipate the Phase Two project to deliver its first output during the last quarter of 2024. The designed ore processing capacity for Phase Two is set to process two million tonnes of ore into 300,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate per annum,” the lithium miner noted.

The successful implementation of Phase One sets a strong precedent for the expected outcomes of Phase Two.

“Last year, KMC completed construction of Phase One of the processing plant, commissioned on 23rd December 2023, before official commissioning by His Excellency, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday, 12th April 2024. Phase One has a production capacity of handling 300,000 tonnes of ore, producing 50,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate per annum,” KMC recalled.

When the plant is complete, it will be a 2.3 million-tonne-per-year processing unit producing over 300,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate.

“When both phases of our processing plant are complete, we will have a combined annual production of 2.3 million tonnes of ore, producing 350,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate, which will be exported,” KMC added.

KMC has heeded the government’s call to contribute to the vision of achieving an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.

“As an investor, KMC is playing its part to contribute to Vision 2030 through lithium-related value chains. We have heeded the call by the Government of Zimbabwe to promote beneficiation, and we are delighted to share that we submitted our beneficiation plan to the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development,” KMC asserted.

This international partnership highlights the global nature of the mining industry and the strategic importance of KMC’s operations.

“Kamativi Mining Company (KMC) is a joint venture operated and controlled by Sichuan PD Technology Group, a subsidiary of the Chinese-listed entity Yahua Group. The local joint venture partner is Kamativi Tin Mines Limited, wholly owned and controlled by Mutapa Investment Fund through Defold Mine (Private) Limited. Yahua Group is ranked fifth in the world for being a top lithium hydro-peroxide and explosives supplier. The Group has over 6,000 employees in 70 subsidiaries distributed throughout Australia, China, Ethiopia, Namibia, New Zealand, and Zimbabwe,” KMC explained.

Prospect Resources Commences Drilling Activities in Zambia

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Prospect Resources Commences Drilling Activities in Zambia

Australia Stock Exchange-listed mining and exploration company Prospect Resources has commenced drilling activities at the Mumbezhi Copper Project in Zambia.

By Patricia Rwafa

The maiden drilling program comprises approximately 30 holes of reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drilling for a total of approximately 7,000 meters. The program includes mineral resource definition and extensional growth drilling targeting the Nyungu Central deposit.

Recently validated data from historical drilling at Nyungu Central produced significant copper intersections, including:
– 140.0m @ 0.59% Cu from 51.0m
– 32.0m @ 0.87% Cu from 353.0m and 28.1m @ 0.79% Cu from 103.0m
– 20.0m @ 1.08% Cu from 27.0m
– 17.0m @ 1.03% Cu from 29.0m
– 11.0m @ 1.37% Cu from 134.0m, including 8.0m @ 1.58% Cu from 135.0m

3D modelling and interpretation have commenced on the Nyungu deposits in the southwest corner of the license, with the initial exploration focus on NNE-trending strike and width extensions. An Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) reporting is also underway.

According to Prospect Managing Director and CEO, Sam Hosack,

“The commencement of Prospect’s maiden exploration drilling at Mumbezhi is an important milestone for our team, which now has boots firmly on the ground in Zambia. Our fully resourced exploration team will undertake an RC and diamond program targeting mineral resource definition and drilling activities at the large Nyungu Central deposit initially, which demonstrates clear strike and wide extensional opportunities, with exploratory work in other areas of the license.

Following an extensive review of all historical drill data purchased from Orpheus, we have validated several highly prospective drill targets at the Nyungu series of deposits and across the broader Mumbezhi license. Given the scale potential, we are boldly and systematically targeting these prospects with ongoing results to be incorporated into our rapidly developing resource modelling. With my full focus on Mumbezhi, I shall attentively support the exploration team on the ground and look forward to updating shareholders as we progress the drilling over the coming months.” Hosack concluded.

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