Mining ZimbabweLatest Mining News, Policy and Industry Updates

The Mine Rescue Association of Zimbabwe (MRAZ) is currently reconstructing its National Workload Training Centre at Gaths Mine in Mashava to ensure mine rescue brigades are physically fit to carry out rescue missions.

Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe, MRAZ Spokesperson Emmanuel Chigwa said the center will increase brigades’ physical fitness for both the fresh air and proto teams.

He mentioned that the facility offers endurance exercises such as throwing 10 sandbags over a wall, carrying 10 steel pipes over a short distance, and throwing marble rocks through a horizontal column on the ground followed by crawling.

Chigwa also highlighted that the physical training includes carrying the marble rocks, climbing, and crossing a vertical column. Going underground to cross through inclined columns and then repeating the cycle.

“This Centre is where we do our initial training for both donning (underground) and non-donning (surface) teams. Initial training comprises theory and practical workload training.

“Workload training is done on a six-monthly basis at the same facility. Quarterly training is also conducted at this facility when combined with workload exercises.

“The facility offers endurance exercises such as throwing 10 sandbags over a wall, carrying 10 steel pipes over a short distance, and throwing marble rocks through a horizontal column on the ground followed by crawling. Carrying the marble rocks and climbing and crossing a vertical column. Going underground to cross through inclined columns and then repeating the cycle,” Chigwa said.

Geologist Ernest Mugandani of GeoSurvey has been appointed the Incoming Chair for the Geological Society of Zimbabwe at a colourful event currently on-going at the Country Club in Harare. Mugandani takes over from Tenyears Gumede.

Kelvin Sungiso

The following were also appointed Committee members for the calendar year 2024 to 2025

• Benefit Muoneka
  Andrew du Toit
  Caston Musa
  Melusi Hlambelo
  Gayle Hansen
  Metrinah Mutika
  Kennedy Mtetwa
  Shephard Mabhanga
  Tenyears Gumede
  Brian Mapingere

more to follow…

Following the announcement that its plant at the Zulu lithium project is running, Premier African Minerals has revealed that its spodumene flotation plant has indicated a concentrate of 6.1% Li2O to be potentially achievable from current ROM ore.

Rudairo Mapuranga

According to Premier African Minerals CEO George Roach, while analysis of the concentrates is underway, the plant is now running, and concentrates are being produced from both Mica and Spodumene flotation sections.

He however said that several issues need attention by the plant contractors that are affecting both quantity and quality of production.

“Most important is that instrumentation related to pH measurement does not cover all plant components that need to be monitored and the reagent dosing system is unable to adjust pH to design specifications. The plant contractor will need to remedy this forthwith.”

Roach said Premier is, however, encouraged that the initial spot analysis by Zulu’s internal laboratory on the material transferred to the spodumene flotation plant has indicated a concentrate of 6.1% Li2O is potentially achievable from current ROM ore.

“Premier believes that we are getting there. Not as quickly as Premier had hoped and with more unnecessary remedial issues than Premier had anticipated.

Premier therefore remains simultaneously encouraged and frustrated. Further updates will follow” he said.

The government of Zimbabwe has discontinued the issuance of cement import licenses to boost local demand. Depressed local demand has led to cement producers stockpiling and reducing production, as stated by the Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services of Zimbabwe, Jenfan Muswere.

Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking at a post-cabinet briefing, Minister Muswere mentioned that the cabinet considered and adopted the Report on the outcome of measures instituted to address the country’s cement market supply and demand situation. The report was presented by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Hon Sithembiso Nyoni.

He added that following the decision to allow temporary importation of cement, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce issued 971 licenses, resulting in imports of over 300 thousand tonnes of cement, leaving the local market stranded.

“Cabinet advises that, following the Cabinet decision to allow temporary importation of cement in October 2023, the Ministry issued 971 licenses totalling 337,776 metric tonnes, out of which 218,000 metric tonnes passed through the borders. The four major cement manufacturers in the country have an installed capacity of 2.6 million metric tonnes per annum, against a national demand of 1.6 million metric tonnes.

Cabinet notes that the local industry is now producing above optimal levels. The four companies are producing a combined 160,500 metric tonnes per month against the installed capacity of 241,000 metric tonnes per month. Depressed local demand has resulted in the companies stockpiling cement and reducing production. The cabinet advises the nation that there is now adequate cement on the market. Accordingly, the issuance of cement import licenses is being discontinued to boost demand for local cement.

Tharisa Minerals has transferred the treasurer shares and voting rights, as reported in the update on 1 March 2024.

Patricia Rwafa

Tharisa had its Annual General Meeting of shareholders held on 21 February 2024, approving a final dividend of US 2.0 cents per ordinary share. The dividend payment date is 13 March 2024, with the last day to trade cum-dividend rights on the JSE being 27 February 2024.

The last day to trade cum-dividend rights on the LSE is 28 February 2024. The record date for payment on both JSE and LSE is 1 March 2024. Shares will trade ex-dividend rights on the JSE from 28 February 2024.

Shares were traded ex-dividend rights on the LSE from 29 February 2024.

In compliance with the FCA’s Disclosure and Transparency Rule 5.6.1, Tharisa hereby addresses the market that, as of 29 February 2024, Tharisa has 302,596,743 issued ordinary shares of US$0.001 each admitted to trading.

During February 2024, Tharisa transferred 10,457 ordinary shares from its treasury shares account to satisfy the exercise of Appreciation Rights by the participants of the Tharisa Share Award Plan.

Following these transactions, 300,030,151 shares have voting rights, and 2,566,592 are held in treasury.

The total number of voting rights in Tharisa is therefore 300,030,151. This figure may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine whether they are required to notify their interest in, or a change in their interest in Tharisa under the FCA’s Disclosure and Transparency Rules.

Tharisa owns Karo in Zimbabwe.

In an effort to ensure students find practical solutions to the world of rock mechanics challenges, the Zimbabwe National Institute of Rock Engineering (ZINIRE) will launch the Midlands State University (MSU) ZINIRE Young Rock Engineering Forum on Friday.

Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe, MSU Association of Students in Mining President Ope Muranda said the launch will be officiated by ZINIRE President Renius Tirivabaya, accompanied by the Institute Vice President Omberai Mandingaise and the Secretary General Eng Chikwiri.

He mentioned that the students are determined to ensure a deeper understanding of the world of rock engineering for all students.

He also expressed that the forum’s launch will ensure students are prepared to come up with solutions to tackle the fall of ground in the artisanal and small-scale mining industry.

“We want the students in Mining to gain a deeper understanding of the world of Rock Mechanics as we try to find practical solutions to real-world rock mechanics challenges that Zimbabwe is facing in small-scale mines. The symposium will help students prepare for the future of mining as we delve deeper,” he said.

Mimosa, Zimbabwe’s second largest platinum-producing mining company, recently undertook a significant workforce reduction, retrenching 33 managers and supervisors due to a persistent 35% decline in metal prices since April 2023.

In response to the challenging market conditions, nine of the affected employees opted for early retirement, while 24 chose voluntary separation packages, as detailed in a company statement released on the 5th of February 2024.

“Metal prices have been on a downward trend since April 2023 and remain depressed to date, having decreased by up to 35% during this period. This decline has significantly impacted our cash flow and profitability, and the outlook suggests that prices will continue to remain depressed in the medium term,” the statement read in part.

The company said its taking steps to minimise impact including capital expenditure curtailment, cost reduction initiatives, and cash conservation efforts among others.

“In response to these challenging market conditions, we have implemented several measures to ensure the viability of our business in the low-price metal environment. These proactive steps include capital expenditure curtailment, cost reduction initiatives, and cash conservation efforts,” the company said.

A voluntary separation package was offered to twenty-four employees, while nine opted for early retirement.

“Furthermore, given the prevailing economic landscape, we found it necessary to review our staffing structures to optimize efficiency. As a result, a staff rationalization exercise was conducted, affecting thirty-three managerial and supervisory employees. To address this, a voluntary separation package was offered to twenty-four employees, while nine opted for early retirement. At this stage, no further rationalization of the permanent staff complement is planned,” the company continued.

It is crucial to emphasize that people remain the most important asset of our business, defining who we are and serving as the primary source of our success. Despite the challenges, we have actively engaged our employees in all the processes implemented, fostering a sense of unity to maintain morale and continue achieving our production targets.