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Invictus raises over US$10 million to fund flow test

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Invictus raises over US$10 million to fund flow test

Australia Stock Exchange-listed oil and gas exploration company Invictus Energy has raised A$15 million through an Institutional placement to continue funding operations at its Cabora Bassa Project in the Muzarabani Mbire area, the company CEO and Managing Director Scott MacMillan has said.

Rudairo Mapuranga

According to MacMillan, funding will be utilised for a well test on gas discoveries in the Upper and Lower Angwa formations in Mukuyu-2 wel, preparation for 3D seismic over the Mukuyu gas field and long lead items for a planned high impact exploration well from the Company’s extensive portfolio in the Basin Margin or Centra Fairway prospects.

The company will issue 100-million new shares at a price of 15c each, with the issue price representing a 25% discount to Invictus’ last closing price and an 11.2% discount to the company’s 30-day volume weighted average share price.

The share placement will be done in two tranches, with the first tranche of 50-million shares to be issued under the company’s existing placement capacity, raising an initial A$7.5-million.

The second tranche of a further 50-million shares will be subject to shareholder approval.

“We are pleased to welcome funds from institutional and sophisticated investorsthat will assist ongoing operations at our Cabora Bassa project.

“These funds will be invested into extending the recent success of our dual gas discoveries in the Upper and Lower Angwa formations and completion of a highly successful Mukuyu2 drill campaign.

“Ongoing operations across the Mukuyu field will include a well test on Mukuyu2 and preparation for a 3D seismic survey over the Mukuyu gas field.

We are currently maturing additional drill ready prospects from our recently completed CB23 infill seismic survey, and excitingly planning for our next well location within our commanding 360,000 hectare project area.

“I thank those who continue to support Invictus Energy’s operations as we enter a much-anticipated phase of project activity at Cabora Bassa,” MacMillan said.

Zimbabwe gold buying prices/ gram 02 December 2023

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Zimbabwe gold buying prices/ gram 02 December 2023

Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) official gold buying prices/ gram. See the Zimbabwe gold buying prices/ gram today 02 December 2023.

SG 90% AND ABOVE US$63.14/g
SG ABOVE 85% BUT BELOW 90% US$62.47g
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$61.81/g
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$61.14/g
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$60.13/g

Fire Assay CASH $63.48/g

NB: Fire Assay cash price is for gold above 100gs, no sample is deducted.
For the Fire Assay Transfer price, a sample of not more than 10g is deducted
A 2% royalty is charged on all deposits (small-scale miners)
A 5% royalty is set for Primary Producers

Cash available. Fidelity Gold Refinery prices will be changing daily to match world market prices.

Mining Zimbabwe partners Mining Indaba, to distribute Feb issue in Cape Town

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Mining Zimbabwe partners Mining Indaba, to distribute Feb issue in Cape Town

Mining Zimbabwe, the country’s leading mining publication, has for the third time partnered with Investing in African Mining Indaba, the largest African Mining Investment Event, set to take place from 5-8 FEBRUARY 2024 at Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), in South Africa.

Popularly known as Mining Indaba, the event is solely dedicated to the successful capitalisation and development of mining interests in Africa, with a unique and widening perspective of the African mining industry. From connecting mining companies with leading investors to provide a platform for important industry discussions, supporting the long-term economic and sustainable growth across the continent, Mining Zimbabwe will take this opportunity to partly distribute its February 2024 magazine at the annual event.

Speaking on the publication’s participation at Mining Indaba 2024 Mining Zimbabwe’s Managing Director said this is an opportunity for the country to showcase its unbundant mineral resources and investment opportunities available in the Zimbabwe Mining sector.

“This collaboration marks a significant milestone allowing the publication to expand its reach and engage with key stakeholders in the global mining sector. In our February 2024 publication, Mining Zimbabwe aims to certify that Zimbabwe is a momentous contender with a functioning mining economy that is fully backed by world-class equipment suppliers, service providers, highly qualified Mining professionals and a government bent on seeing a thriving mining industry. We are taking the country’s mining potential to the international mining community attending Mining Indaba and in turn, we hope the country and participants attract much-needed foreign direct investment, new partnerships and technological expertise to propel the Zimbabwe mining sector towards sustainable growth,” he said.

Mining Indaba has been hosting its annual mining conference in Cape Town, South Africa since 1994, attracting thousands of participants, particularly Industry Captains from all over the globe.

The event provides a platform for industry leaders, government officials, investors, and service providers to network, discuss emerging trends, share knowledge, showcase their projects and sign new deals. The partnership between Mining Zimbabwe and Mining Indaba will enable the former to leverage the massive audience and exposure provided by the conference to promote Mining in Zimbabwe.

Sungiso said individuals and companies who participate in the February publication stand to open up business opportunities well beyond the expo itself.

“By participating in our February 2024 publication, individuals & companies will benefit from extensive visibility during the high-profile event. As attendees peruse the pages of Mining Zimbabwe, products and services will capture their attention, creating lasting impressions, generating valuable leads potentially opening up new partnerships beyond the expo. It is also an open opportunity for claim holders looking for investors,” he continued.

Those who want to attend the Expo stand to benefit from discounts if they Register before 14 January 2024.

“Pass prices will increase periodically, secure your pass today to lock in the best possible rate. Choose the pass type that applies to you and complete the registration form. For added convenience, group bookings are available for 2 or more passes, make your group booking here. Please kindly ensure you have the details of the other delegates ready,” according to Mining Indaba website link.

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Mines and Mining Development is also expected to attend the Apex Mining event.

Mining Zimbabwe covers a wide range of topics in Mining including Exploration, Mining operations, Investment opportunities, Infrastructure development, Policy changes, and sustainable mining practices. With a strong focus on promoting Zimbabwe’s rich mineral resources, the publication has become an indispensable source of information for mining professionals, investors, and industry enthusiasts.

To participate, contact Mining Zimbabwe on [email protected] or Call/ Whatsapp 077 552 3000. The material deadline is on the 20th of January 2024.

ZDAMWU new year statement (2024)

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ZDAMWU new year statement (2024)

Revolutionary greetings to mine workers of Zimbabwe, Africa and the world, Happy New Year!!

We have ushered in a new year, with renewed hope, vigour and determination for better prospects and welfare of mine workers in Zimbabwe.

In 2023, mine workers endured a nightmarish year. While some enjoyed festivities associated with Christmas for some mine workers it was a miserable season devoid of any festivity as they endured a bleak festive holiday, which was mainly due to non-payment of December salaries, and non-existent bonuses. This was a difficult year where the majority of mine workers continue to earn poverty wages, despite them being the backbone of our economy and a vital cog in the economic development and transformation matrix.

The year 2023 was characterized by underpayment of salaries, employers failing to timeously pay salaries and the majority of mine workers earning below the poverty datum line. Further, some employers in the industry deliberately failed to provide adequate PPE for their employees.

Job security for mine workers remained an issue, where workers were not only subjected to short term fixed contracts, but also long working hours (chibharo).

Workers’ salaries continue to shrink, the value of the USD is being eroded and they are being robbed of their hard-earned income through heavy taxes, high bank charges and illegal unjustified deductions by some unscrupulous employers. The plight of mine workers continues to worsen.

Zdamwu is concerned with hardships being faced by workers at big mining corporations such as Rio Zim’s Cam & Motor Mine in Kadoma, Renco Mine in Masvingo, Murowa Diamonds in Zvishavane and the closed Dalyn Mine in Chakari and Empress Nickel Refinery who are earning staggered salaries month in and month out with no solution in sight.  We are concerned that over 1,000 workers of the closed  Vumbachikwe Mine owned by Forbes & Thompson in Gwanda might all be jobless if action to protect the mine from collapsing is not taken soon, they last got paid in September 2022 and are accumulating salaries while seated at home with nothing in sight towards opening the mine and a restoration of jobs of the said workers. Equally, we are worried with the situation prevailing at closed operations such as Mbada Diamonds, Shabani Mashava, DTZ-Ozegio, Makomo Resources and recently Zhong Jian where workers are yet to be paid their terminal benefits so that they can have closure on their empowerment with these companies and start a new life.

It was our fervent hope that the coming in of the Labour Amendment Act was going to bring relief for mine workers, especially in the area of the dispute resolution process which remains an issue with many cases before the NEC backdating to 2016 remain unresolved forcing workers to lose trust with the union. The coming in of the new Labour Amendment Act did not help, instead it has created some loopholes which were identified by the Honorable Labour Court judge in the notorious DGL vs workers case which is now in the Supreme Court on appeal.

Safety of workers was another concern. The year 2023 we witnessed fatal accidents and many lives were lost raising fears that this trend might continue if no immediate solutions are found. The country has seen the emerging of unscrupulous and corrupt investors who uses their dirty money to corrupt systems so as to operate bellow standards for profits without considering the safety/ health and plight of workers.

The Union has been dealing with these issues and they are at various stages of litigation and in some cases engagement.

Indeed the year 2023 was eventful, the union successfully achieved its target in the area of organizing and recruiting new members in mines like Sandawana Mine, Shava Mine, Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe, Richmark Zimbabwe, Kamativi Mine, Gwanda Lithium, Pickstone Mine, Brompton Mine and regained its members at Jena mine achieving new membership base towards growth.

In the area of structures, the union successfully constituted its national women structure, and some branches across the country.

We thank the Lord Almighty for His grace and mercy, which saw us through an eventful year, as we march towards the end of our 5-year strategic plan and preparation for our elective congress in the new year (2024).

As we enter 2024 we therefore are assuring our members of a great fight, focusing on the challenges already witnessed in 2023 in order to overcome them.

The challenges of 2023 are our step towards overcoming them and focusing on transforming the lives of mine workers, spurring economic growth and improving “the quality of life for mining communities.

With the coming in of investors in the mining sector targeting lithium and platinum mining our focus will continue to be on scaling up membership recruitment, education, training and setting up of strong structures for the growth of the union. New offices shall be opened in Gwanda, Shurugwi or Gweru as demand for representation continues to rise across all districts.

Training of members will be prioritized in the year 2024 and our work with organizations such as CNRG, FES and others needs to be commended and shall be consolidated for the benefit of mine workers and their communities. Engagement with other leftist organizations that promote workers’ and community rights shall also be prioritized making ZDAMWU the preferred union.

The recent discovery of gas in Muzarabani is another potential membership base in future and will monitor the project with interest to recruit and represent the workers working there which will continue to increase our membership base.

Gains of 2023 in the area of shop-floor wage bargaining will continue to be prioritized. To consolidate these gains, the union shall continue to capacitate its shop-floor members (workers committees) with bargaining skills so as to push employers for win-win scenarios. The demand for a minimum living wage of USD600.00 will be top of our 2024 work agenda as a union until mine workers across all mines and districts achieve this demand. These will leapfrog the workers’ transformation and community development for sustainable socio-economic development of mining communities at large.

Failure is not an option and if the works council fails we will be pursuing the demand as a dispute of interest through an arbitration process in terms of the law. ZDAMWU has the capacity to push employers to recognize the need to pay workers a living wage commensurate to the value of minerals, regional scales, and production levels as well as linked to economic growth.

We are a global union affiliated to the Industrial Global Union, we network with regional and international trade unions in our sector in solidarity. The solidarity of trade unions nationally, regionally and internationally enables the workers to unite to fight governing systems and policies that oppress workers. It also empowers and develops workers’ capacity, and builds trade union unity to be able to liberate themselves.

We shall continue to be part of the global family in solidarity for the benefit of mine workers of Zimbabwe aspiring to be a growing and leading trade union in Zimbabwe with a global flavor separating ourselves with those that we compete with  in the industry with which enables us to challenge multinational companies where ever they operate in.

OUR PLANS GOING FORWARD

The year 2024 onward marks the breaking point of the union towards total control and influence in the industry and our strategic focus is designed to achieve more. A lot is changing in the industry and one of our immediate tasks is to review and put in place measures on how the organization will perform in the coming years in its quest to be the voice of mine workers across all mines in Zimbabwe as we have  succeeded to grow our membership to *over 15 000 at the end of 2023 while employment has been growing with the opening of new lithium mines, we aim to reach a membership of 30 000 by December 2025.  We believe ZDAMWU is in a stronger position to continue on an upward trend through some phases of growth, namely-

PHASE 1: Recruitment & Attending to all pending cases-2024*

In this phase the focus is building the organization and pursuing the target, this will involve mapping out potential members at every mine and create trade union networks at every workplace.

The main focus will be building structures at every mine, continue to recruit more members in every district and educating them about their rights.  Membership retention with focus on attending to all outstanding grievances so as to bring back confidence to the members.

During the same period, the union will be conducting several trainings across all mines, districts and communities where mining is taking place together with other progressive organizations who shares the same vision with ZDAMWU.

PHASE 2: Growth Phase: 2024-2025

The success of this phase should be evidenced in the series of activities we shall be carrying out starting now going forward. It is the activities that shall focus on unmasking and uncovering the true colour of the capitalists we have in our industry and other sellouts/paperbag union who are causing havoc in the industry as well as confusing mine workers. We shall also be demonstrating that we have the power to temper with capitalists’ profits if they view us as their slaves. Our maturity must be tested and reinforced by events in the industry and in society. Our focus on building and strengthening of structures should be our main saviour.

OUR 2024 & BEYOND GOALS

  1. Defending workers’ rights
  2. Fight precarious work including casualization of labour
  3. Build Union Power through membership recruitment
  4. Confront Capital aggressively & radically
  5. Promote sustainable transformation and industry development

ZDAMWU is a trade union confident in its identity and in the intervention it constantly makes, convinced in the progressive positions it takes at all levels of the labour market locally and globally as well as in the socio-economic levels. We shall continue to develop the union into an institution that is at the cutting edge of a modern trade union with its revolutionary credentials intact, a trade union that is admired, revered and envied across all mines in Zimbabwe and communities where mining is taking place, because of our foresight and vision, strength of character and the ability to advance the strategic vision of mine workers.

At global, continental and national levels, ZDAMWU will ensure Mining is profiled strategically in terms of the development agenda, particularly as a strategic sector for the development of Zimbabwe and the African Continent as well as able to engage and influence discussions on just transition and the discourse on renewable energy to consolidate energy resources in the country for sustainable development.

OUR 2024 & BEYOND DEMANDS

  1. Profit sharing for the transformation of living standards
  2. Share ownership for community development & economic development
  3. Value addition & beneficiation of minerals for job creation & security
  4. Subsectors within the mining industry for transparent
  5. An end to the casualisation of labour & labour broking
  6. An end to all forms of harassment in the industry
  7. Decent work and safe working environment
  8. Affordable and decent accommodation
  9. An end to corruption in the mining industry

Accordingly, the focus of the union from the year 2024 will be to influence policy formulation that addresses our nine (9) demands with aggression so as to transform the lives of mining communities and workers in general.

We urge the Government of Zimbabwe to consult and involve workers and mining communities on policies that directly affect their welfare and interests including areas of safety & health, and formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining.

We need policies that promote and protect Labour rights and community rights regardless of who the employer is.

To the Mine Industry employers, we say 2024 is a year of engagement and real bargaining, Please hear us, talk to us, consider our proposal, practice fair labour practices, respect labour rights and know that workers are stakeholders, not slaves.

We will not accept all forms of victimization as it was in 2023 where some employers were threatening to terminate the contracts of workers who joined ZDAMWU and who raised their voices against unfair labour standards. A trade union is not a political part and we will never allow ourselves to be dragged into national politics that end up dividing workers.

To the Mineworkers, we extend our gratitude for the confidence that the mine workers of Zimbabwe continue to express in the union ZDAMWU Union Yevanhu, IUnion Yabantu through their joining of the leading union dumping sellouts and paper bag unions that have been in the industry confusing workers.

Furthermore, we are very grateful to our shop floor leaders, national leaders and hardworking staff members for preaching unity amongst mine workers so as to speak with one voice. The struggle for better working conditions for mine workers is a continuous fight. Indeed, we are a growing union never to be undermined. The process of transformation of mine workers lives and mining communities starts now.  Let’s unite towards better working conditions and improved living standards. Let’s reject to be used or divided on political grounds or affiliation. We are workers and we earn a living through work.

Last but not least, The General Secretary, the union leadership and staff members wish you a happy and prosperous 2024.

Remember to take care of yourselves and your families.

Take one!!!! Teach one with the slogan Every mine with ZDAMWU, Every worker in ZDAMWU and Every Community with ZDAMWU.

Amandlaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank You

Justice Chinhema

ZDAMWU General Secretary

0772976261/0717803553

[email protected]/[email protected] Zimbabwe’s economic growth.

Illegal miners die in mine collapse at Vubachikwe

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Illegal miners die in mine collapse at Vubachikwe
Two illegal gold miners died at Vubachikwe Mine in Gwanda when the shaft they were working in collapsed.
The mine has been closed for a year after a strike by mine workers over salaries.
The deceased have been identified as Nqobile Phiri from Esigodini and Thamsanqa Moyo from Gwanda.
The incident happened yesterday morning when the gold panners swarmed the area after reports that gold had been discovered in September.
When arrived at the scene in the morning, heavy policepresence was witnessed at the shaft as they battled to ward off panners from entering the tunnel.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena confirmed the incident, saying the mine caved in just after 12 midnight.
“There were other two panners who were doing illegal panning, Bhekimpilo Ndebele (32) and Alex Mvendele (40) who heard the sound of people screaming for help inside a shaft. One of them was also trapped but survived and was referred to Gwanda Provincial Hospital for treatment.
“The bodies of the two miners were retrieved at 7am from the mine shaft and they are at Gwanda Provincial Hospital mortuary awaiting a post-modern,” she said
A panner who identified himself as Mr Ntandoyenkosi Nyathi said he was also working in the shaft with the deceased when the accident took place.
Mr Nyathi said a big rock fell and the shaft collapsed.
“I saw a big rock falling from above and it hit the two guys who were carrying the ore. A lot of people who were in the shaft ran away. One of the deceased told me to that he was dying and I should help him.
“I then told him that the stone was too heavy and I could not lift it by myself. I went to look for help and when Icame back he was already dead,” he said.
Insp Mangena urged members of the public to desist from gold panning as they risk their lives. Sunday News

Zim freezes Lithium Giant’s bank accounts

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Zim freezes Lithium Giant’s bank accounts

Discontent has erupted among employees at Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe (PLZ)’s Arcadia Mine who will not be receiving their salaries after the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) reportedly froze its bank accounts.

PLZ is a Chinese-run multi-million open-pit lithium mining company based in Goromonzi.

The freezing of the bank accounts, a local publication reported, has resulted in the company failing to reimburse employees for services rendered in December.

Workers have been promised they “may get their salaries between 27 and 29 December.”

“The workers committee chairperson told us that the employer’s bank accounts were frozen by the RBZ. Now we are stuck. It is not even certain that we will get our money on the new dates mentioned.

“Previously we would get our salaries between the 20th and 25th of every month. We are also entitled to hampers worth US$50 every three months but the freezing of the accounts has affected the hampers as well so it means we will not even get at least food for our families during the festive holidays,” a source said.

Contacted for a comment PLZ spokesperson, Rugare Dobbie said “I am in a meeting and will call you back” before the NewZimbabwe reporter overheard her confirming that “there are issues.”

“No money will be received today because money is yet to be deposited into the bank. Some issues are being looked at right now,” she said.

A Whatsapp message forwarded to workers by the company’s management.

This comes at a time when the employees were notified that over 100 of them will not have their contracts renewed in 2024 because the company is operating at a loss.

Workers were told that this is because the lithium prices on the world market have fallen way below anticipated levels.

As a result of this, the company has reportedly decided to reduce the labour force by plus or minus 164 employees effective from January 2024.

“Now because of this, workers cannot protest or openly express themselves because they fear their contracts might not be renewed next year,” said another source who spoke on conditions of anonymity.

Arcadia holds one of the biggest hard-rock lithium reserves in the world and is run by Prospect Resources through PLZ, its subsidiary.

Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe operates under the China-listed Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co Ltd conglomerate that is engaged in research relating to, the development and manufacture of lithium battery materials.

Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt acquired the Arcadia hard rock deposit, 40 kilometres outside Harare, from Australia-listed Prospect Resources for us$422 million in April 2022.

The Chinese company invested a further US$300 million to build a plant to produce 450,000 metric tons of lithium concentrates annually.

The Arcadia plant took nine months to construct and started exporting concentrates in April after the plant went into trial production.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa officiated the commissioning of the lithium concentrator in July this year.

PLZ says it employed an estimated 1000 people during the construction stage and was set to employ hundreds more when production goes full-scale.

Source: New Zimbabwe

Gold Rush in Gweru’s Cowfold Park, three arrested

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Gold Rush in Gweru’s Cowfold Park, three arrested

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed of a gold rush in the City of Gweru’s Cowfold Park and Mtausi residential area with three suspects arrested for illegal mining.

Rudairo Mapuranga

Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the gold rush stating that the situation is now under control with Police, EMA, Ministry of Mines and Mining Development working to resolve the issue with the land owners.

“The ZRP confirms that a report of gold panning and rush was received in Gweru, Cowfold Park and Mtausi residential area. The situation is now under control with the Police, EMA, Ministry of Mines and Mining Development working to resolve the issue with the stand owners.

“Three suspects have been arrested in connection with this case,” Nyathi said.

Gweru is not the only town to have experienced gold rush in residential areas with Kadoma, Chegutu, Chinhoyi, Bindura and Kwekwe to have previously encountered gold rush in residential areas.

Zimbabwe has the second largest gold reserves per square kilometre in the whole world with 13 million tonnes of proven reserves of which less than 800 tonnes have been exploited. This is according to former reserve bank governor John Mangudya.

Commercially viable Gold deposits are found in every district in Zimbabwe.

Government Impressed with Mimosa Development, CSR Projects

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Government Impressed with Mimosa Development, CSR Projects

The Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Dr. Polite Kambamura, has expressed satisfaction with the country’s second-biggest platinum group metals (PGMs) producer, Mimosa Mining Company’s, development and corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects.

Rudairo Mapuranga

Last week, the Deputy Minister visited the mining company as part of a ministerial visit. During his visit, he witnessed various projects by the mine, including a US$34 million plant optimization project, a US$134 million northern ore body exploration, a 110 million ton capacity tailings dam, and the construction of a state-of-the-art clinic, among others.

The Deputy Minister stated that he was impressed by Mimosa’s people-oriented company policy. Despite the company being affected by softening commodity prices, they have focused on maximizing recoveries rather than laying off employees.

He stated that the 3,800 employees at Mimosa are guaranteed their jobs because Mimosa is committed to the well-being of its employees. He believes that if other countries followed suit, the country would have a strong socio-economic foundation.

“I visited their three projects, which are currently in progress. One of them is nearly complete, which is the plant optimization. Despite the challenging conditions, Mimosa has not laid off any employees. Instead, they have found ways to improve plant efficiencies to increase recoveries.

“They have also invested in the exploration of the northern portion of the ore body to extend the life of the mine. The exploration has been completed, and now the construction phase begins. They invested $134 million in the northern projects.

“For plant optimization, they invested around $34 million. Mimosa currently produces 190,000 ounces of PGM-4E and 240,000 tons of run-of-mine ore per month, which is equivalent to about 2.9 million tons of run-of-mine ore per month.

“They are also constructing a tailings dam with a capacity of 110 million tons. It is currently 96% complete and will have a lifespan of 20 years. The dam will also have the capacity to accommodate new plants.

“In addition, the dam will provide an opportunity for the retreatment of the nearby old dam. By storing the tailings in anticipation of future technology to recover more minerals, the old dam can be retreated on the same site as the new dam.

“The company is engaged in many activities. They currently employ around 3,800 workers, with many of them from the local community. They are also building the MberiMwa Clinic as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives. The construction of a state-of-the-art hospital is underway, and two wards are almost completed. The company continues to contribute to the economy and the communities in which they operate. They are also involved in cattle ranching, introducing new breeds of cows and bulls into the community. They have provided the community with 500 pedigree bulls, and people are appreciating the hybrid type of cattle. They are also involved in various other projects.

“Mimosa is also partnering with the Zimbabwe School of Mines. During my last visit, they donated a lot of equipment to the school,” Dr. Kambamura said.

South African Miners Begin Second Day Of Protest

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South African Miners Begin Second Day Of Protest

On Tuesday, over 2,000 workers persisted in occupying a platinum mine in South Africa, marking the second day of a substantial protest that has become one of the nation’s most significant mine demonstrations in years.

Impala Platinum Holdings, also known as Implats, reported that 63 of the 2,205 miners involved in the protest on Monday emerged during the night. The company classified the action as an “illegal underground protest” and issued a warning, stating that it would take decisive action against employees engaged in illegal and criminal activities.

Operations at the mine located northwest of Johannesburg remain at a standstill as negotiations with the workers and unions are underway.

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) officials successfully initiated discussions with the workers on the previous night, commencing the process of addressing their concerns with management, according to a company spokesperson.

“Hopefully, we can respond today through the NUM and agree on a process to bring all workers to the surface and resolve issues through normal constructive engagement,” he added.

South Africa has witnessed a surge in underground protests by miners in recent times. Implats expressed concern about the increasing prevalence of “illegal underground protests and copycat illegal actions” in recent months.

In October, over 100 gold miners spent nearly three days underground in Springs near Johannesburg as rival unions vied for control. Additionally, this month, 440 miners staged a protest in another gold mine, while 250 platinum workers demanding improved wages occupied a shaft for three days concurrently.

Mining is a major employer in South Africa, which is the largest exporter of platinum and a significant exporter of gold, diamonds, coal, and other raw materials.

 

BREAKING: Mine Managers appoint the 1st female Council member

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BREAKING: Mine Managers appoint the 1st female Council member

The Association of Mine Managers of Zimbabwe (AMMZ) has appointed Stella Tinotenda Chitakunye to the organisation’s Executive Council.

Engineer Chitakunye becomes the AMMZ’s first female Executive Council member since the organisation’s formation 51 years ago.

Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe Chitakunye said she is excited to take up the position and her appointment demonstrated that there is diversity in the mining industry.

“I am excited and grateful, and I am looking forward to working with fellow leaders in the council to advance the industry. This appointment demonstrates inclusion and diversity in action in the industry. There is space for us as women and we should fill it up,” Chitakunye said.

Commenting on the appointment AMMZ President Engineer Abel Makura said despite efforts to promote gender equality in the mining sector, the belief that mine leadership is masculine and unfavourable for women remains strong, but having the first woman in the Council is hoped to inspire and empower other women to pursue leadership roles and bring about greater representation and diversity in the industry.

“Mining has been a largely male-dominated profession over the past decades due to old stereotypes. Whilst significant strides have been made in the sector lately to have women occupying positions of authority, the uptake has been very low as the belief that mine leadership is masculine and viewed as unfavourable when exhibited by women still lingers in the minds of many.

“We hope that by having the first woman in Council, other women are going to feel inspired and empowered to pursue leadership roles themselves within the mining sector which will help breed a positive cycle of representation and diversity in the industry,” Engineer Makura said.

Stella is responsible for all mining operations in the South Section of the underground workings at Unki Mine. She work with a great team of capable shift supervisors and their teams who are chasing the Anglo-American goal of safe, stable and capable production.

About the AMMZ

Famed as the top knowledge hub for professional and responsible Mining in Zimbabwe, the Association Of Mine Managers of Zimbabwe (AMMZ) was formed in 1972 to advance the science and practice of Mining and supporting disciplines such as Survey, Geology, and Metallurgy.

It is a platform for information exchange and dissemination on good practices and seeks to promote the study and growth of Mining and allied disciplines.

The organisation provides a platform for mining industry professionals to among other things discuss and share information, Mining and Mineral Policy, Technology, Innovation, Safety, Health and Environment, Sustainable Mining, ESG, and Mining Operations. It is the biggest consortium of large-scale Mine Managers in Zimbabwe.

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